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Part 2: Field Guide

4 Things Consumers Need to Know About You

Who – What – When – Where… WHY!

These are the four basic things people need to know about your business to potentially consider doing business with you. 

“Why” replaces “When” except when you are running an event.  Then, you must answer the “when” and “why” isn’t as important.

Keep in mind that advertising does not sell your product or service; it can only make a person “consider” doing business with you. It’s up to you to close the deal. 

Marketing deals in the world of perceptions. If the consumer perceives that you are offering a worthy product or service, they may consider doing business with you.  

All advertising messages, whether creative or simple, need to answer four questions. 

Those four things are:

1.) Who/Your Name: The only way to be sure to be found online is when consumers search for your business by name. Your marketing mission is to have prospects and customers think of you first, over your competitors.

2.) What: What products and/or services do you offer? Very simple, we must explain the products and services you offer to reach your potential customers. Uncover what makes your products different or unique.  Again, keep it simple.

3.) Where/The primary way to contact you: We can’t remember your street address, phone number, email address, and web address all at the same time. Choose the method your customers most often use to contact you, and promote that…your address if they “drop in”, your phone number if they call for quotes or appointments, and your web address if they’re more likely to research you online before shopping, etc. The best bet in today's world is typically your website.

4.) Why: Why should the consumer do business with you? Last, but certainly not least! One strong verifiable reason….not a laundry list of reasons. Quite simply, why should they bypass four of your competitors to do business with you? That single reason should be highlighted in your slogan or audio identity in every ad, in every media you use.

It’s tempting to try to implant a long list of your business's benefits with your marketing, but staying focused on one consistent message will brand you ahead of competitors who try to be all things to all people. 

Ask yourself, “What’s the first thing I want people to think of when they hear my name?” then stay on message with that message.

SoundADvice is a co-production of this station and ENS Media USA to help local businesses increase their sales and their return on investment in advertising. Your SoundADvice marketing tips are emailed to you on our behalf from ENS Media USA.

ENS Media USA's address is: 6523 S. Killarney Ct., Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108

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