*Feature Image by Rose Quinn
As an almost 13-year-old, I know the struggles that come with finding a quick way to make a buck.
You have a skill and you want to make money. All of the possibilities, challenges, failures, setbacks, opportunities, and highs and lows can be very daunting. And the biggest and most important question on your mind is, “How do I get the word out?”
Well, fear not! Here are 10 innovative ways to get more business for your teen venture using proven marketing strategies.
- Know your customers. Before you start to market your services, think about who your potential customers are going to be. Are there other teenagers in your neighborhood, parents, or maybe even tourists coming to your area? Understanding your customers helps you shape your marketing efforts to reach out to the right people.
- Get creative with signage. Catch the attention of passersby with attention-grabbing signs. Grab some colorful paint or markers, and create posters or chalkboard signs that highlight what you are promoting. Add bold words or punny phrases to promote your business.
- Spread the word online. With the new age of technology, everyone is online. 96 percent of teenagers use the internet daily. Harness the power of social media and promote your business via Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc. Use popular hashtags and tag your location to reach a wider range of audiences.
- Offer special promotions. Everyone loves a good deal, right? I know I do. Consider special promotions or discounts to attract customers. Whether it is a “buy one, get one free” offer or a limited-time discount, promotions and deals can incentivize people to choose your business.
- Provide excellent customer service. Word of mouth can be a powerful marketing strategy. Make sure to treat every customer with kindness and respect. Smile, engage in friendly conversation, and go above and beyond to make their experience pleasurable and memorable. Happy customers are more likely to spread the word and return to your business.
- Collaborate with local businesses. Collaborating with other businesses in your area can help expand your reach. Whether that’s a coffee shop or a community center, see if they are interested in promoting your business in exchange for a shoutout or mention.
- Collect feedback and adapt. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your customers. Whether it’s through informal conversations or surveys, what people liked or disliked about your business can be beneficial for improving and adapting your marketing strategies for future success.
- Stay consistent. Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all, and neither is a successful business. Keep showing up, even on days when it feels tough and slow. Consistency is key in building brand recognition and trust among your customers. Keep hustling, keep up the grind, and no matter what … Don’t. Give. Up.
- Learn from your mistakes. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or failures. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and use that wisdom to refine your marketing approach to move forward. Remember, even the most successful entrepreneurs faced challenges along the way.
- Have fun and be yourself. Most importantly, enjoy the journey of entrepreneurship. Let your passion and personality shine through in your marketing efforts. People are drawn to authenticity, so don’t be afraid to be yourself. Have fun experimenting with different marketing strategies and celebrating your wins, big and small.
Some of the largest businesses started out small, and then became what we all know and love today. Take McDonalds for example. In 1937, it started out as a hotdog stand. Now it is worth $200 billion today. Mcdonalds is proof of how marketing gets the word out.
So roll up your sleeves and get creative. Who knows? This might just turn your small summer business into a booming year-round success story.
Good luck and happy marketing!
