Branding & Marketing Using Web 2.0 Tools = Two-Way Customer Conversations on Steroids

It’s always challenging to launch a startup company in any economy—let alone this one.  But from an effective branding standpoint, there’s really never been a better time.  

The things entrepreneurs and small business owners must do in order to brand and grow a company haven’t changed.  (Sorry about that…)  It’s how you do it that’s changed.  The explosion of new media and Web 2.0 tools—business blogs, podcasts, social media sites, online communities, user generated content/YouTube, online public relations, expert article web sites, and more—make getting the word out about your new company easier.  And easier on your budget.

Branding and growing your startup boils down to having as many relevant, two-way conversations (dialogs) as possible with your buyers.  

That means finding the Internet sites and real world places where your buyers gather.  The online sites, industry influentials, and print publications your buyers trust.  

Customers Control Your Brand

Your customer conversations.  Your brand.  I hate to break it to you, but in case you haven’t noticed, customers control your brand.  They control all brands.  

You have the opportunity to build the megaphone your customers can use about your brand.  At the very least, since it’s your megaphone, you’ll hear what’s being said, as its being said.

Never built a megaphone?   Stick with us at Startup Coast. We’ll help.

What image, impression do buyers have of your products and services?  Whatever it is, it’s your brand.  What you can do to build your brand:
-    Creating visibility for your company in the right places.
-    Becoming a trusted source of information, tools and strategies.
-    Making your company “findable” both online in the real world by buyers that value your products and services.
-    Being found on the Internet at the right time (when they’re ready to buy).
-    Generating leads & sales from your Internet presence.

Customers are king.  (I know cash is king…but customers have the cash.)

If you’re willing to invest the time you can be your own social media marketing wizard on a budget.  This blog will share with you strategies, tactics, tips, tools and case studies to do just that.  With a dash of traditional marketing—smart entrepreneurs and business owners know that the New Marketing is a combination with old marketing too (public relations, good writing, customer profiles).

Marketing a startup company or a small business is a big, big job—don’t get me wrong.  Did I mention a never-ending job?  Here at Startup Coast, we’ll be your guides.

Join us by posting your questions.  Share your stories.  Let’s build a megaphone for your brand together.