Marketing is often a word that when mentioned around business owners draws out grumbles, moans, and sighs. While the task of marketing your business may not be your first choice, it is a vital part of the success of your business.

Here are three simple things you can do to make your marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales efforts much easier:

Differentiate yourself

When your marketing and sales message is too similar to your competitor’s message, your prospects and customers are left with price as the only differentiator. Trust me. You never want to be in that situation.

To differentiate yourself and truly set yourself apart from the rest of your industry, you need to clearly define your unique selling proposition (USP) and your “why” statement. You need to know exactly WHY you are doing what you are doing, why you started your business, and why you have such a passion for what you are doing. Your clear why statement is your basis of who you are and what you stand for and that will remain constant.

Provide Value

Once your point of differentiation is clear, you need to focus on the value that you bring to your prospects and customers. You want to get clear on the benefits you provide, how you can make a difference in their business or life, what you are going to do for them, and how are they going to feel when working with you or using your product.

You can provide value to your audience by sharing your expertise and knowledge with tips and strategies they can use, by educating them on new products or services, or by introducing them to other experts they need to know.

Whatever you do, make sure you are the expert and not just the solution. As the solution, you are what you do, but as an expert, you are valued for your experience and knowledge, which is worth much more and will take you much farther.

Generate buzz

You started a business because you are really good at what you do. You have an innate talent and skill that very few others have. You need to share it with the world because those who don’t have your skills need you! If your audience doesn’t know you exist, they can’t hire you or buy your products.

You need to get your name or your business name out there to be seen and heard. Use social media to comment on blogs, post links and tips to Facebook and Twitter, join groups on LinkedIn, and attend live networking events. But remember, make sure you participate, communicate, interact, and engage with other people in the social networks you are a part of.

You can also update your website continually with new fresh content, send out an ezine, use direct mail and postcards, send a letter, post flyers, or place an advertisement. Just be sure you do something to keep your name and business name popping up in your audience’s view.

Do you have any other suggestions?