Let’s not kid ourselves. Rather than focusing on their customers and answering the number one question they have, “What’s in it for me” (WIIFM) many small businesses unknowingly commit the number one sin in small business advertising, talking about themselves or their business. This is mostly due to many small business owners, and sometimes their advertising executives not being able to tell the difference.

The thing is, you’re not alone. You are not the only one who has been committing this “sin” in your small business advertising. So are you competitors. This is mostly why you wouldn’t be able to get the results you’re after if you copy your competition’s advertising.

There is hope. You can make your small business advertising much more effective by turning this way of advertising away. Also you have to change the way you deliver your message, and the message itself to “steal” your competition’s customers away! Even using subtle, yet effective changes in your advertising, your competition wont even know what’s happening to cause their customers to go after your business.

The key to successful small business advertising is telling the customers what’s in it for them. Why should they purchase the product or service offered by your business, as opposed to any other is what your advertisement should answer. “We’re the best.” or “Cheapest” or the “fastest” is what many small business owners think answers this question, but usually they just seem self centered or like they’re bragging.

They just don’t like bragging. You may be great, but they don’t what to know why you think so. Why is doing business with you in their best interest?

So make a subtle change to your advertisement to where it explains the customer’s “We’re the cheapest!” is something you shouldn’t say in your advertisement. Something more like “You save big money!” would tell the customer their benefit. They show their focus is on the customer that’s reading or listening to the advertisement. They see that it’s personalized for them.

Little changes made to the wording of your small business advertising are easy to make. Rather than “we” and “I” and “our”, just change them to “you” and “your.” Let them know that your product or service is what they want using easy to understand messages made just for them. Put something along the line of, “Your dreams will become reality with xyz.” “xyz” being what you’re selling.

Examining your small business advertising messages, and changing them when needed takes some practice.. As these adjustments are made, you’ll begin to notice an growth in business. They may not catch on to the subtle differences in your ads while heading to your business, but you’ll know it’s cause you avoided bragging, and answered what’s in it for them.

Tags

Ecommerce Software Reviews and Tips