How to connect with your local marketplace
Published: May 2018
Ok, so you’ve got a great product – now what? It’s time to get out there and start making connections! Put yourself in front of your target market by going to the places they hang out, and become part of their community. We take a look at how to connect with your local marketplace.
Look in the right places
Make sure you’re picking the right place for you and your business to network. You need to take the time to think about your audience, your target market and where you will be able to find them. It seems easy to try and interact with everyone to get the word out about your product, but you only have so much time to spread the word – so use it wisely. Find a community group or membership organisation that would appreciate your input, and get to work!
Give something back
Marketplaces like Gateshead Business and Information Now have very different audiences – but they are great examples of websites that give you a thorough idea of what’s going on in their networks. Whilst they are brilliant resources, you shouldn’t just use them – you should give something back too. Are you holding an event or workshop that could feature on their calendar? Or maybe you know about something interesting happening in the area. Something as simple as sharing information, or giving your favourite network a retweet or a like can be a great show of support. You don’t want to go just be about sell, sell, selling your product – it’ll come across as you just using the group for your own means and that won’t make you popular.
Be part of the conversation
Speaking of social media, marketplaces usually have a way for you to engage with its community both offline and online. A comment here and there and offering advice will help you and your business get noticed. In fact, lots of networks, such as Gateshead Business, run events and breakfast meet-ups, where you can meet other people just like you, who are looking to tap into their local marketplace. But if you’re going to take part, you’re going to have to be prepared to network…
Learn to network
Psst, we’ll let you in on a secret: Everybody hates networking at first. Everybody. You’re not alone and we have all felt that awful feeling in the pit of our stomachs when walking into a networking event for the first time. What we can also tell you is that it does get easier. Once you start to recognise faces and become used to striking up a conversation out of nowhere, you lose your fear. Check out our top tips for successful networking to help you get started.
Support other businesses
It can’t always be about you. Make sure you support members of the community – even if they are your competitors! By supporting your peers, you are more likely to receive the same back, and it doesn’t hurt to make friends. You never know – your competition could become an exciting collaboration that could benefit you both.
Knowing your audience and where to find them is vital, and we understand that at Web Design Newcastle Urban River. We’ve helped countless organisations master the art of getting noticed – both online and offline. Get in touch on 0191 456 6199 to find out more about how to connect with your local marketplace.
