Marketing and promotion

Marketing and Promotion in Blacksmithing

Understanding The Market

  • Appreciate the importance of market research. This involves gathering information about potential customers and competitors to make informed business decisions.
  • Comprehend the significance of identifying target demographics. Understand the products or services your potential customers might be interested in.
  • Understand competition analysis – who are your competitors, what do they offer and at what prices.

Marketing Strategies

  • Understand the different marketing avenues available, such as online platforms (websites, social media), traditional advertising (newspapers, radio,local TV) or trade shows and festivals specific to blacksmiths.
  • Recognise the importance of developing a unique selling point (USP). What makes your blacksmithing services or products stand out from those of your competitors.
  • Explore partnership marketing, where you work with a complementary business to mutually promote each other – for example, a local hardware store.

Promotion

  • Recognise the benefits and limitations of different promotional methods. This can include discounts, sponsorship opportunities, or holding workshops and demos to showcase your skills.
  • Recognise the importance of maintaining a consistent brand image and brand message across all promotional materials.
  • Appreciate the power of positive customer reviews and word of mouth as promotional tools.

Digital Marketing

  • Recognise the significant role of online presence. This means having an easy-to-navigate website showcasing your products, prices and contact information.
  • Understand the value of social media marketing, such as advertising on Facebook, Instagram, etc. through compelling posts and engaging with your audience.
  • Appreciate the importance of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) practises, including using relevant keywords and backlinks, to improve the visibility of your website on search engines.
  • Understand the role of email marketing, including sending newsletters or offers to customers who subscribe to your mailing list.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Have knowledge on the legal aspects of marketing such as copyright of designs, fair trading and accurate pricing.
  • Be aware of ethical considerations, for example, being truthful in advertising and respecting customer privacy.

Remember, successful marketing and promotion not only attract customers but also build the reputation of your blacksmithing business. This can lead to increased sales, better visibility, and giving your blacksmithing business a competitive edge over others.