Social media isn’t what it used to be. Engagement is low, the algorithm is unpredictable and using it as a tool to find and convert paying customers is no longer reliable. We’ve seen the changes coming for a while and things don’t seem to be getting better any time soon. But fear not, there are plenty of other ways to find new customers and grow your business outside of Instagram that in my opinion are less soul crushing, more sustainable and effective. Here are a few that I’ve been focusing on of late:

CONTENT CREATION
Content creation serves as a powerful way to build trust with your audience and show them how you can be of service. At times it can be time consuming and may not always result in instant sales/returns for your business but when done consistently it has the ability to build a loyal and highly engaged following of potential clients.
Think of the creating content like dating. It’s how your audience gets to know you, your brand, what you stand for and what you do. It should go beyond social media and exist where your audience is likely to find you. I often suggest to my coaching clients to figure out 4-6 brand pillars that they can build their content creation plan on. For example, StartUp Creative content is based on four content pillars—inspiration, education, growth and personal stories. These are the perimeters that I create my content around as we aim to inspire people to start their own business, educate them on how to do it, help them to grow their exisiting businesses and share my personal story along the way. Content creation platforms and ideas could include; podcasting, blogging, newsletters, free downloads, webinars. For more advice on creating a content creation plan for your business get in touch.

PITCHING
One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting their own business is assuming that their customers will miraculously find them as soon as they launch their social media profile or website. What most people don’t realise is that the businesses that are getting the opportunities, features, collaborations, jobs and gigs are the ones who are putting themselves forward for them. People don’t know what you do unless you tell them and they can’t give you the job if you don’t ask for it. Your job is to get out there and tell them who you are and ask for the opportunities that you’re waiting for.
Make a list of places you think you should be seen/featured or work you’d like to be considered for then pitch for them. The worse that could happen is that someone says no, then what? You say ‘thank you, next’ and keep pitching until you get a chance to showcase your work, then eventually people will come pitching to you.
Download my free ‘pitching guide and example’ via the email box below to help you craft a winning pitch.

NETWORKING
Authentic, genuine and mutually beneficial relationships have been key to building my business over the last 10 years. The people I’ve collaborated with, featured in our magazine, on the podcast and connected with online have all helped me to spread awareness of StartUp Creative all around the world. One the most effective ways to grow your business is word of mouth, when someone tells their inner trusted circle about you and suggests to them that they trust, follow and buy from you, it saves you months, if not years of trying to convince someone who’s never heard of you to take you seriously. As you build your network of people who understand, believe in and trust what you do, then you increase your brand promoters who are getting your business in front of people who don’t yet know about you.

VALUE ADD
What problem are you solving or value are you adding to your customers life? When you focus on creating a business that is of value to others then your business does the talking for you, regardless of how many likes you get. Social media has a way of distracting us from the real reason we started a business in the first place, which should have been to help solve problems for people like us or add value to the lives of others through the products and/or services we offer. The dopamine hit of ‘engagement’ turns our attention away from our audiences and onto ourselves. Yes, it can serve as a platform to showcase what you have to offer but it shouldn’t be your sole focus or a determining factor as to whether your business is successful or not. Real life customers whose lives you can have an impact on are much more valuable than any amount of online metrics.
Take some time to refocus your energy on what value you can add to the lives of your customers who are willing and able to invest in what you have to offer. How can you better show up for them to help or to be of service?

REVIEWS
Personally, I’m really loving giving reviews lately and I am obsessed with Google Reviews making it like a game for me. Earlier this year I traveled around Europe and heavily relied on Google Maps and Reviews to determine where to stay, eat, visit and shop. It made me realise from a consumer perspective how vital they are for discovery of new businesses and reputation. Audiences are increasingly relying on their peers for recommendations, vetting of businesses and advice as to who to trust and where to shop. Collecting reviews from your customers is a great way to get your audience to market your business on your behalf. It’s free for them to do, there are ways to make it easy for them and you can reward them for taking the time to share the word.

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Cover image: photo credit: AdaptNSW / @elinbandmannphotography

5 WAYS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS OUTSIDE OF INSTAGRAM

CONTENT CREATION

PITCHING

NETWORKING

VALUE ADD

REVIEWS

JOIN THE SQUAD!

STARTUP CREATIVE