10 Ways Words Can Grow Your Business

Whether you’re just starting out as a new business owner, or your business has been around the block a few times, you’re always on the lookout for effective strategies to reach more prospects.

Talk is cheap – but choice words can really help you grow your business.

Here are ten tactics you should consider:

(Plus, be SURE to get your FREE gift from Triumph - usually priced at $194, but my gift to you!) 

1. Articles for Web Publication 

The internet makes the world a much smaller place. You can easily reach prospects across the globe – day or night – through your website. If you keep a fresh supply of informative, interesting articles on your site, you give visitors a reason to return. If you provide valuable information, you begin to build a relationship with your readers.  While it’s helpful to publish articles built around relevant keywords, don’t fall into the trap of publishing junk! It defeats the relationship-building purpose entirely if your readers have to wade through a keyword pile-up. They won’t do it, and they won’t come back. Remember that your articles speak volumes about your business. Aim high, and hold a high standard for your content. If it’s meaningless, it’s pointless.  

Use your articles to position yourself as an expert in your field – not by talking about yourself, but by giving truly helpful information to your readers. Don’t overlook the power of having a blog and an e-book, too.  

2. Website Content 

There are two tricks to making the content on your site help your business grow. First, make sure it answers your prospect’s question, “What’s in it for me?” This can be tricky. You know your business inside-out. You know what sets you apart. But the qualities you value may not be the ones that will convert your prospects into customers. Look at your business from the outside-in. Pay attention to the market research you’ve done. Talk more about how you make life easier for your customers than about the history of your business.  

The second is this – your content should be flawless. This requires more than a quick run through spell check. Have someone else take a look at the text. Does it sound like you’re trying too hard? Or, does it read like you speak? Great writing doesn’t mean using big or obscure words. Great communication doesn’t send you running for the dictionary. Fair or not, if you’ve got grammatical errors strewn throughout your text, it doesn’t help your credibility. Aim for a great first impression. 

3. Press Releases 

OK – these can be a little tricky. But if you can do them (or get them done) right, you open the door for widespread free publicity. You don’t have to wait for an absolutely momentous occasion to issue a press release. But do make sure you’ve got a truly newsworthy event. Launching a new website or blog, unveiling a new product, or sharing exciting other exciting news are all great opportunities for press releases. As always, find a way to make it relevant to your audience. Spend the extra time to create a press release that’s compelling. Of course, there’s a certain format you need to follow, too, and it’s worth learning.  

4. Marketing Materials 

Marketing materials are excellent ways to promote your business and show prospective clients why they should choose to go with what you have to offer. Marketing materials are great because they serve dual purposes; they can be published on the web for all to see, but they are also effective materials to leave behind at trade shows, or pass out on the streets. Consider creating brochures, small books or pamphlets, fliers, and brochures.  

5. White Papers 

They don’t work for every kind of business, but where they work, they work really well. White papers are a cross between a sales piece and a technical document. They usually discuss a technological development or a new and improved process – something that really needs explaining. They help build your company’s reputation for innovation while also educating your prospects and customers. White papers are great for internal communications and proposals as well as outside marketing tools. 

6. E-Books 

They’re not for every type of business, but where they do work, they’re fantastic. Think of your e-book as the ultimate business card. They’re a great way to improve your business’ image. E-books can be sold on a company website or even used as tools to increase sales, and make them available as part of a special offer. E-books are great because with no printing or delivery costs, you can get the word out for free. 

7. Direct Mail 

Is direct mail dead? No way! As long as people get mail in their mailboxes, direct mail’s worth considering. Again, the key is making your direct mail piece compelling enough to get your prospects to read it and take action. Even with the costs associated with printing and mailing your direct mail campaign, you can get a huge return on the investment. Direct mail’s just one more way to load your funnel of prospects. Especially if your business is not internet-based, direct mail marketing may be one of the more effective ways of using writing to help you grow. 

8. Newsletters and E-Newsletters 

Customer service experts say you should get in touch with your customer at least once a month. Newsletters are a great way to remind your customers that you’re still out there, and that you value their business. The trick is filling your newsletter with information they’ll actually read. If you send out a newsletter that’s nothing but one big ad, you’re making a big mistake. If you pack your newsletter with articles and information that people want to read, they are more likely to remember you and your business, and come back for more. 

9. Information and Internet Marketing 

While this applies mainly to businesses that operate ecommerce websites, publishing articles on your site is a great way to get your website up in the search engine rankings. Not only does this fulfill a need that a customer may have by providing them with information, but it also helps to attract the attention of people who are actually searching for what you have to offer, and directs them to your site. 

10. Internal Communications 

Writing memos and other internal communications (such as newsletters) are great ways to keep the members and employees of your company all on the same page. Training new hires, organizing events, giving speeches, and making announcements are all opportunities to use words to make your business better and stronger. Remember to write the way people actually speak, and you’ll prevent your memos and manuals from putting your employees to sleep.