What Does Value Marketing Really Mean?
by AnitaF on February 8, 2010
Value marketing means that we, as marketers, give value first with the understanding, we will get paid later.. It does not mean that we don’t get paid for our services, products and time. It’s Key.
There’s a big misconception here, the line becomes a blur between where we stop giving, and where start charging for our intellectual property.
I think we have to keep in mind, as well as our customers, there we are still marketers. Everyday we are inundated with free stuff, free giveaways, and free reports. As marketers, we have to learn to draw the line, between the value that we are giving, and using our intellectual property, to get the bills paid every month.
So what can we do to educate our customers about this?
1. Use your blog or website to not only be helpful, but discuss your business as well. Do this right out of the gate. Being honest is the key. The important thing here, is to state what you do, how it works, and how it will benefit them. You can easily accommodate this in the resources and about me sections, on your website.
2. I aim for an 80/ 20 split. Whether on my blog, on social networking sites, writing emails, or on the phone, I am helpful and give value 80% of the time, and 20% of the time I’m in marketing mode. I think this is a beneficial mindset to work from.
3. The whole point of value marketing,that we have to keep in mind, is we are buying guides for our customers. We are helping them make smart decisions about products and services that are purchasing.
4. As a marketer we have to keep growing our knowledge and skill sets, helping them solve problems, offering solutions, giving results, and making them happy.
You have to believe in your services, and the products that you’re offering to your customers. Always do your best to provide the answers they are seeking.
Don’t feel guilty about quoting your hourly rate, your product price, or stopping the conversation to say this is what I charge for the service.
Keeping in mind; you have to earn the right to ask.
