Perhaps you’ve finally decided to pursue your dreams and start your own business. Although it may seem intimidating to become an entrepreneur after retirement, you have the advantage of wisdom and experience on your side.
And while you may feel confident about your skills pertaining to the service or product you offer, maybe you’re a little unsure of how to market your company. The answers on the most effective ways to do this might be easier than you realize.
In the past decade, Baby Boomers between 55 and 64 launched new business start-ups at the highest rate of any age group. And the average age of small business owners is rising as well, with over half ages 50 and over in 2012, up from 46% in 2007, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The digital marketing experts at Webegin invite you to discover how a mix of various methods can help you successfully get the word out about your business.
Creating the Right Type of Website
Having an online presence is crucial these days. Before visiting, 88% of customers search for a business with a website. It’s necessary to set up a website that informs potential customers of the products or services you offer, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep the information on your web pages simple, clear, and easy to read. Make sure you include an “About Us” page, a form where customers can contact you, and a phone number, along with any details about what you are offering. If you feel unsure about setting up your own website, you can always work with a firm like Webegin to create a stellar website that garners the right kind of traffic.
Older Means Wiser
According to ARRP, firms with older owners are more likely to stick around. In the first year, a 60-year-old entrepreneur’s company has an 8.2 percent probability of going out of business, compared with an 11.1 percent chance for a 30-year-old founder and a 9.6 percent risk for a 45-year-old. The gap decreases over a three-year period but remains statistically significant.
Using Promotional Marketing Items
Given how many people are shopping online these days, marketing is more crucial than ever. A useful way to get the word out about your company is to invest in promotional marketing materials. Don’t forget to be ready to give your businesses cards. These can be anything from sweatshirts and tote bags to pens or magnets. They usually have a company name on them, along with a website or way to get in contact, and often a logo. It’s a good idea to email coupons to your prospective customers, but doing this in PDF format (which is still the most convenient and presentable) can quickly overload recipients’ inboxes. To avoid this, use a simple, free tool to compress PDF files, thus reducing their size.
The benefit of using promotional marketing items is that many potential customers are receptive to taking free items. If they don’t use them, there is a good chance they will pass them on to someone else. When using promotional items, start out small, and pass them out while networking or attending trade shows.
Build Your Business Acumen
If you want to learn more about management, operations, decision making, communication, and leadership in business, consider taking some business courses or look for LinkedIn Learning certifications. With learning tools and resources available 24/7 through the web, there’s no limit to what you can learn.
Knowing How To Network
Networking events can be a good way to introduce yourself to your local community and find other individuals who might benefit from your services or know someone else who would. You can start by going to local networking events, such as those offered by your Chamber of Commerce. If you’d like to branch out, consider Network After Work or a similar service.
Make sure you bring plenty of business cards to the event and have an elevator speech ready. Practice your speech at home so that when you are approached by others, you can confidently state who you are and what your business offers.
Checking Out the Competition
Although looking at the competition might seem counterintuitive, it’s a good way to find out how you can help your customers. Perhaps there is a need going unfulfilled that your potential clients would greatly benefit from. If you can help them by closing the gaps with your products or services, you might find your business quickly growing and give your competitors a run for their money.
The reasons for seniors starting a business are varied, but because Americans are living on average longer and healthier lives than previous generations, many are able to extend their working lives. And by continuing to work they can also stretch their retirement savings and according to some research are likelier to remain physically and mentally healthy longer.
Marketing your business doesn’t have to be difficult. Remember, your greatest strength is your wealth of experience! So try a variety of different methods and see which ones work best for your company.
In partnership with Sharon Wagner and SeniorFriendly