A good communication structure is perhaps one of the most important strategies for business owners. It dictates the relationship a business owner will have with (among others) employees, consumers, shareholders, and authorities. A good communication strategy will often determine the direction the company will take. It ensures employees are aware of the required input in the day-to-day running of the business.
For consumers or clients, it ensures that products and services are well understood and that any complaints that could arise are addressed aptly. Imagine launching a product in the market without properly informing your marketing team, which is supposed to make customers aware of the product. That would be a disaster!
A better communications strategy also ensures that the company’s mission and goals are well understood by the public and potential investors. It also ensures that the company is not in a precarious situation when there is a crisis or sudden changes made within the company.
Here are tips for improving your business communication:
Know your customer
This is often the first thing that an entrepreneur must always be aware of because it helps them deploy a better communications plan. Knowing your customers means you are also able to tell their tastes and preferences. This enables you to release information and marketing campaigns that are tailor-made for them. This in turn makes it easier for them to understand the product you are marketing to them.
Leverage social media
The age of social media has undoubtedly changed the way businesses interact with their customers and various organizations. Through social media, brands have been able to publish their advertisements, launch campaigns, and boost their sales.
Through social media sites like Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok, companies have been able to give consumers and potential investors a better understanding of the company and its products. A social media presence has enabled companies to have one-on-one conversations with their customers. It has enabled companies to handle complaints effectively with individual customers and pass any information regarding the company.
According to the 2024 Global Social Media Trends Report by Hubspot, companies are continuously investing in their own media brands and building content specific to each social media format.
The report states that one way to build more trust with online shoppers is to keep up diligently with social commerce. It adds that seven in 10 brands surveyed have an employee who is responsible for social commerce activities, like maintaining the social shop, providing customer service through DMs, and engaging with shoppers. The report advises that taking this off the plate of the social media manager allows customers get a better experience, and for the brand can reach even wider audiences.
Email marketing
As an entrepreneur, you should ensure you use email as a better communication strategy. Email marketing ensures you can communicate your company information and product to customers, getting first-hand responses and interactions that can help grow your business.
Work with influencers
The rise of influencer marketing cannot be understated. In a world where social media is beaming with influencers with massive followings, it is better to tap their wide following to communicate to your customers about the product. With their huge following, a team of influencers can help market your product to potential customers as well as build your brand. By recruiting them into your communications team, they can actively engage your customers online during marketing campaigns.
Hubspot reports that when seeking out influencers, one should look to their network of existing brand advocates first. The next step is to evaluate partnerships based on alignment with your brand values, campaign goals, and potential impact. When working with influencers, Hubspot advises that the best relationships are long-lasting, mutually beneficial, and rooted in respect.
Make your employee your agent
As a small and medium enterprise, employee engagement in communication strategy is perhaps one of the most important aspects of your business. You need well-informed employees who know the business, its goals, and missions and can articulate them well to customers.
When employees are well informed about the company, they can interact with customers and share important information, which could lead to higher sales.
On the other hand, if you are a business that has expanded to new markets, it is crucial for you to ensure you localize your communications for better understanding. This enables you to gain locals’ trust and personalized engagement. For instance, marketing campaigns can be done using local languages, which enhances a deeper connection with them.
Finally, have in place a properly organized and well-thought-out crisis communications strategy. This is key in that when a crisis emerges, you and your organization are better prepared. It helps you respond effectively when dealing with authorities, clients, and the media.
About the Author: debbie
