With so many messages competing for consumers’ attention, it’s important that people remember your business. Aim to make your business the first one that enters their minds when they think of what you offer. Here are seven ways to make your business more memorable.
Trade Under a Memorable Business Name
Your business name should not leave people in any doubt about what your business does. For example, if you have a car rental business, Premier Rental Cars is a much better name than Cars ‘r Us, which, although catchy, doesn’t make it clear whether you rent, buy or sell cars, or operate a taxi or limousine service. Try to keep your business name as short and snappy as possible.
If you don’t think your current business name is very memorable, it may or may not be a good idea to change it. If you’ve been in business for several years and your business is already well known, it’s probably best to keep your name. If, however, you’re finding it difficult to attract new customers, it could be time to relaunch your business with a new, more memorable name.
Design a Simple Yet Effective Logo
Let your logo reflect your business simply yet effectively. Think of a large, yellow “M” and which business immediately comes to mind? In time, your logo should become synonymous with your business, so that every time someone sees the logo, they will immediately think of your business in the same way you think of McDonald’s whenever you see a large, yellow “M.”
Display your business name and logo on as many different items as possible, including signs, invoices, receipts, packaging, vehicles, and uniforms, so that a large number of people see your business’s branding as often as possible.
Create a Catchy Tagline
A catchy tagline or slogan encapsulates your business’s identity in as few words as possible. It should be memorable and show consumers how your business will benefit them, appealing to their emotions, if possible. Your business’s tagline could also express its philosophy or unique selling point.
Taking McDonald’s as an example, the tagline “I’m lovin’ it” is designed to remind hungry consumers of how much they love the taste of the company’s food.
Advertise as Widely as Possible
Look for as many reasonably priced ways to advertise as possible. Some examples include:
- Advertising on free-standing advertising boards outside your business and nearby.
- Placing advertisements in local newspapers and magazines.
- Advertising on local radio and/or being interviewed on local radio.
- Distributing flyers and brochures.
- Advertising on social media websites.
- Placing a free listing on Google My Business.
According to conventional wisdom, consumers need to see an advertisement at least seven times before they purchase whatever the advertisement is selling. This is known as the “Rule of 7.” It’s important therefore to advertise your business as widely and as often as possible.
Give Out Samples or Freebies
Stand in a street, shopping mall, train station or another busy place and give out free samples of your products and/or small free gifts to people who pass by, as well as a voucher offering a discount on their first purchase. If your budget allows, place all of these items inside a “goodie bag.” Include your branding and contact details on each item so that consumers can find your business easily.
Giving out freebies creates curiosity about your business if people see a crowd and wonder what is on offer. Everyone appreciates receiving something for free so this marketing activity will help generate positive feelings toward your business.
Useful Advice
If you offer potential customers useful advice and helpful hints, they’ll remember how helpful you were even if they don’t buy anything on this occasion. This will make it much more likely that they’ll remember your business the next time they need something that you sell.
You can give useful advice in person, through a blog on your website, or through social media websites visited by people in your target market.
Become Involved in Your Local Community
Becoming involved in the local community shows that your business cares about the people who live in the area where it’s based. It also raises the profile of your business among past, current, and potential customers.
There are many ways for your business to become involved in the local community, including:
- Sponsoring a local event.
- Donating to a local charity.
- Volunteering for a local charity.
- Renting a booth at a local fair, show or market.
- Taking part in a fundraiser for a local school.
If your business is to thrive, it needs to be easily remembered by consumers. Take some time to lay the foundations by creating a memorable name, logo, and tagline. Then, plan your advertising, marketing, and other promotional activities on a monthly basis. Monitor the effects of these activities on your sales and profits. If necessary, switch to other methods that may deliver better results.
