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Marketing Tips For New Web Developers
As a new developer, formulating and implementing a refined marketing blueprint offers the only way to conquer an already saturated field. With developers aplenty and more joining the fray, mastering marketing fundamentals is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Here are the 13 marketing fundamentals to internalize:
- Define your goals
Lack of clear goals results in decision paralysis and inability to prioritize. You will waste important resources chasing vague targets of diminished value that will do little to get you where you really want to go.
Before making any move, clearly define your end game. Have an overarching target and break it down into smaller achievable goals. With a decided destination, morale, passion, and determination will come easily.
- Choose your niche carefully
Some software development sub-segments enjoy higher demand than others. Big data, point of sale software, user interface development, and mobile app building are currently the in thing. If ‘hot’ sub-segments do not appeal to you, do not be afraid of venturing out – it is the people willing to experiment and carve new paths that move industries and humanity forward.
- Determine your target audience
To drive conversions, you have to get your product before individuals most likely to purchase. This group of persons will essentially be your target market. Only after settling on a target audience can you best formulate a value proposition that will hit the right cords and drive sales.
- Identify ideal channels to reach your target audience
After choosing your target audience, single out the best platforms for optimal marketing efficacy. Snapchat, for instance, is ideal for millennials, while Facebook and Twitter have excellent targeting features and a more general audience. Instagram is ideal for capturing fitness enthusiasts and fashionistas while signage is perfect for all round marketing and brand awareness.
- Conduct research
Research provides fodder for decision making, and decisions are only as good as the information used in deliberation. As a developer, espousing research is critical. It will keep you on toes and in touch with market demands. It will help you develop software of high value that addresses issues adequately.
- Find out what your audience cares about
To create software that sells, you have to know what your audience cares about. Assume your target market’s perspective to get insight into what is needed. More so, observe and learn as much as you can while acquainting yourself with the approaches other developers have used to break into the said market. This way, you will be better primed to come up with a hybrid product that will guarantee success.
- Single out a problem to solve
Armed with insight into what matters to your audience, look for a particular problem that you can address as a developer. It has to be a solution that adds value such that people will have no qualms paying. However, utilize a systematic approach and do not try to do too much too soon.
- Network with peers
In development, particularly for independent developers, referrals represent a huge chunk of new business. To benefit, start networking with peers immediately. If you land a gig that falls outside your area of specialty, refer a fellow expert well versed in the niche and request him/her to send appropriate business your way if anything comes up.
- Cultivate your stand-out attributes
In a crowded marketplace, what makes you stand out will determine whether a client chooses you or a competitor. You simply have to find a way to stand out. The quality of your work, personal touch, customer concern, quick project completion, deal sweeteners, etc., all represent ways of differentiating yourself from other market players.
- Have a compelling value proposition
What you offer has to make economic sense and be financially feasible from the client’s viewpoint. Keep this in mind as you aim to provide more value for money than your competitors. If you cannot lower your price, leverage add-ons such as additional tools and support to make your proposition more desirable.
- Prove your worth
To quickly get new clients, you will have to find a way to prove your worth to instill confidence in potential customers. Networking is one of the handy ways of doing this as other experts, through referrals, will be directly vouching for you. Other nifty ways include software trial periods, previous projects undertaken, and testimonials.
- Show clients why they need you
No matter how good the service or product you are offering, to gain traction, you may have to show potential clients why they need you. Therefore, do not sit back thinking that clients will automatically come knocking since you have an outstanding value proposition; instead, actively seek and ask for business by knocking on potential customer’s doors.
- Stay connected
The software and web development market is fluid and profoundly affected by trends and fads; hence, you have to keep an ear on the ground at all times. Encourage client feedback, subscribe to leading industry blogs and newsletters to keep tabs on the industry as well as your customer base.
Final thoughts
Any expedition begins with preparation via mastering the fundamentals, and the marketing journey is no different. With the information above, you now have the right tools to substantially simplify formulation of an excellent marketing strategy. That said, also labor to identify a marketing mentor who has conquered the niche you wish to subdue to help you fine-tune your approach.