In today’s competitive market, marketing and public relations (PR) play a pivotal role in the success of family owned businesses. Almost one-third of small businesses do not have websites, with 20% opting to use social media instead. This isn’t a great strategy as your Facebook post will reach approximately 1-3% of your followers; and 75% of shoppers will visit your website before they visit your store.

Why your family owned business needs marketing

As marketers ourselves, we know precisely why your small family owned business needs us, and here’s why:

  • Building Brand Awareness: Effective marketing strategies help family businesses reach a wider audience, enhancing their visibility and attracting new customers. We know effective strategies come from research and planning. Without those, you are throwing spaghetti at the wall and money out the window.
  • Telling Your Story: PR is about storytelling. Family businesses have unique stories rooted in heritage and tradition, and you should not only tell your story, but you also need to LIVE your story. Sharing these genuine stories in your authentic voice can create a strong emotional connection with customers, fostering loyalty and trust.
  • Reputation Management: Maintaining a positive public image is essential. PR strategies help manage the business’s reputation, handle crises, and ensure a consistent brand message. Communication planning is crucial to your small business. It’s not if, it’s when, your next crisis will hit. Are you ready to handle it?
  • Digital Presence: In the digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial. Marketing efforts, including social media and digital advertising, can significantly boost a family business’s reach and engagement. Do you understand the difference between digital and organic? Boosted and sponsored?

As marketers and public relations professionals, we have the education, credentials and expertise to build strategic communications roadmaps leveraging your social media*, your website, your e-commerce platform, your digital ads, your print and broadcast ads, your email marketing, your content marketing, your public relations, your crisis communications, and all the other components of a solid marketing and PR plan. This leaves you to focus on what you do well – run your business. If you’re among the 47% of small business owners doing your own marketing, you need to read this article to learn more about paid and organic social media.

*For more cool information on social media use, read this article from Forbes.

Honoring the Backbone of our Economy, Family Owned Businesses!

On National Family Owned & Operated Businesses Day, we celebrate the resilience, dedication, and contributions of family-owned businesses. We are the backbone of our national economy and contribute to the preservation of our local economies and communities by providing unique products and personalized services. While we face unique challenges, the opportunities for growth and success are immense, especially with effective marketing and PR strategies in place. So, the next time you visit your local bakery, bookstore, or any family-owned business, remember the passion and dedication that goes into every product and service.

Happy National Family Owned & Operated Businesses Day!