Jeremy Tauri: Don't rely on one type of marketing

Jeremy Tauri.

If you own a business with a presence on Facebook, you've probably noticed something over recent weeks — you're getting a lot less attention.

Facebook has changed its algorithm so that users see more posts from their friends, family and groups in their newsfeed.

They get less public content, such as the posts from the businesses and media sites they've liked. For many businesses, this has meant a big drop in the number of people seeing their posts just as a matter of course.

What this highlights is that businesses cannot rely on one type of marketing. Social media is great, but it can't be your only trick.

Here are few other marketing options:

* Face-to-face: You can't beat sitting down and talking with people about your business.

This could be through formal business networking channels, such as BNI or your local chamber of commerce. Or it could be just getting out in your community. If you take the time to get in front of people, you and your business will be top of mind when they or their friends need your services.

* Refer-a-friend promotions: If you've got a loyal database of clients, offer them incentives to refer others to you. It doesn't have to just be money — gift cards and lunches are things people also look forward to.

* Signwriting: Do you spend a lot of time in traffic? Getting your car signwritten can be an inexpensive way to get your business noticed.

* Advertising: The right type will depend on your business. You can consider anything from Google Adwords to your local paper.

* PR: Is your industry in the news? Striking up relationships with local media could be a way to get your name known.

* Email marketing: If you've got a good database, don't waste it. Send regular newsletters.
Don't forget to monitor your marketing tools — use what works and review what doesn't.

Jeremy Tauri is an associate at Plus Chartered Accountants.