Tag Archive for: Digital Marketing Brisbane

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How To Do Marketing – 30 Ways To Grow Your Business

How To Do Marketing - 30 Ways To Grow Your BusinessDone Digital Marketing

Ask ten business owners what marketing is, and you’ll get ten different answers. Some say it’s advertising, others think it’s social media or word of mouth. The truth is, marketing is all of that and much more.

Here’s how I define it:

“Marketing is everything you do to GAIN and RETAIN customers.”

In other words, marketing isn’t just about running ads or posting on your Facebook page. It’s about everything you do to attract people, convert them into buyers, and keep them coming back. If you’ve watched some of my videos or visited my marketing blog before, you’ve probably heard me talk about the three pillars of business success:

  • Attract
  • Convert
  • Deliver

In this article, I’ll share 30 practical strategies across these three pillars to help you grow your business, increase sales, and save time through smarter marketing.

Attraction – How to attract more potential customers

Attracting new customers fuels growth but it’s also something many business owners struggle with. The following ten strategies will help you consistently attract new potential customers. Try combining several of these in your business for the best results.

1. Have a great website

Your website can be so much more than an online brochure. It’s your digital storefront — a place to build trust and generate leads. Yet, many business websites only talk about the company instead of helping visitors solve their problems. Learn what makes a great site with these examples and review the 17 crucial elements every business website needs to convert visitors into customers.

2. Be on social media

Social media can be a powerful engagement tool — if used strategically. Don’t just create an account; be active. Use social platforms to drive potential customers back to your website (where you’re not competing with cat videos). If consistency is an issue, automate it. Tools now let you plan and post content automatically. Check out my complete guide to automating your social media posts to save time and stay visible effortlessly.

3. Run print ads

Even in a digital world, print ads still have their place. The key is to track your success. Don’t pay for “exposure” — pay for measurable results. Use clear calls-to-action like coupons or trackable URLs so you can calculate your return on investment.

Example: If you spend $300 on an ad that brings in 100 leads, that’s $3 per lead. If three of those leads convert at $200 each, you’ve made $600 — doubling your investment. Even if you just break even, you’re still building a valuable customer list.

4. Run online ads (Google, Facebook, YouTube)

Online ads let you target specific audiences precisely. For example, if you own a beauty salon in Sydney, you could show your ad only to women aged 30–50 in your local area who are interested in beauty services. That’s far more cost-effective than paying for print ads that reach people who may never visit your salon.

Always remember: never invest in advertising that can’t be measured.

5. Partner with other businesses

Business partnerships or joint ventures are one of the fastest and most underused ways to grow. For example, I helped a café with a 10,000-person customer list partner with a local massage business. Together, we sent a $25 gift voucher to every café customer — positioning the café as generous while putting the massage therapist in front of thousands of locals instantly. One email, 10,000 people reached. That’s leverage.

6. Write a blog

Your customers already search online for answers. Blogging positions you as the expert they find first. Think of it like owning real estate online — every article becomes a long-term asset that brings traffic for years. This is what I call Evergreen Marketing. Consider hiring a writer to produce 12 high-quality articles, post them monthly, and promote them across your channels.

7. Optimise your website for search engines (SEO)

SEO isn’t dead — it’s evolved. Today, Google rewards readability, valuable content, and engagement. Focus on writing helpful, well-structured content people actually want to read and share. If you’re on WordPress, use the Yoast SEO plugin to optimise each page.

8. Run a competition or giveaway

Giveaways can quickly grow your list — but only if they attract the right people. Avoid generic prizes like iPads. Offer something directly related to your product or service. If you’re an accountant, for instance, offer a free Xero setup or consultation. Always follow up with non-winners to turn interest into sales.

9. Run a survey or quiz

Surveys and quizzes are great for gathering insights and building your list. Keep them short and focused on what helps you improve your offer. Partner with complementary businesses if you don’t yet have your own audience. For more on this strategy, I recommend Ryan Levesque’s book ASK.

10. Send a press release to media outlets

A great story can get you free publicity worth thousands. Focus on human stories — not self-promotion. For example, instead of “Local roofer launches new website,” write “Local roofer helps the homeless stay dry by donating tents for Christmas.” Journalists love stories that connect emotionally. Download my free press release template to get started.

Now that you know how to attract more people to your business, the next step is turning those visitors into paying customers.

Conversion – How to turn browsers into buyers

Attracting attention is only half the battle. Now it’s time to turn that interest into revenue. The Conversion stage is where relationships begin to form and browsers become buyers. This is where your communication, offers, and systems come together to guide people toward a confident “yes.”

These ten strategies will help you create stronger connections, build trust, and convert more leads into loyal customers, without feeling pushy or salesy.

11. Create a lead magnet

A lead magnet is a valuable free offer that attracts your ideal customers — a discount, checklist, eBook, video, or free trial. It should solve a small but meaningful problem and serve as the first step in your customer’s transformation.

12. Use email automation to educate and engage with your audience

Email is still one of the most profitable marketing tools — especially when automated. Set up a series of emails that guide subscribers through a journey: answering FAQs, sharing testimonials, and offering helpful insights before presenting your offer. This keeps you top of mind and moves people closer to buying — automatically.

13. Use a chatbot to help people find what they need faster

Chatbots streamline customer support and sales. They can answer common questions, share your location or pricing, or direct users to your booking page — all while you focus on other things. Tools like Chatfuel and ManyChat integrate seamlessly with social media and websites, helping you provide fast, friendly service 24/7.

14. Create a strong offer people can’t refuse

Sometimes success comes down to packaging. McDonald’s skyrocketed profits by turning individual items into value meals and asking, “Would you like fries with that?” Look for ways to add perceived value — bundles, bonuses, or upgrades — without drastically raising your price.

15. Run retargeting ads

Retargeting ads allow you to follow up with people who already interacted with your brand. For example, show ads only to those who visited your site or watched your webinar. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to increase conversions because you’re marketing to people who already know you.

16. Find a way to help more people

Ask yourself: “If I had to help 10 times more people than I do now, how would I do it?” Maybe that means shifting from one-on-one to one-to-many models or creating a DIY version of your service. Thinking bigger helps you identify bottlenecks and opportunities for growth.

17. Run ‘limited-time only’ offers

Limited-time offers create urgency and excitement. Test small product batches or temporary services to gauge interest. For instance, a café could offer a special seasonal drink and track how it performs before adding it permanently to the menu.

18. Be easy to do business with

Make it simple for customers to buy from you. Offer multiple payment methods, clear communication options (phone, text, email, social), and frictionless booking or checkout processes. The easier it is, the more people will say “yes.”

19. Get to know your customers better

Never assume you know what your customers want. Ask, listen, and adapt. Understanding their true motivations builds deeper trust and longer-lasting relationships. Sometimes the best sale you can make is recommending something they need before yours.

20. Make sure your website has all the right elements

Your website should do more than “exist.” A great site builds authority, generates leads, answers questions, and converts visitors into buyers. Think of it as your online headquarters — a place where every piece of your marketing connects.

So, you’ve made the sale — congratulations! But marketing doesn’t stop there. What happens next determines whether customers stay for life or disappear after one purchase.

Delivery – How to grow your business during and after the sale

The moment a customer buys from you, a new stage of marketing begins. The Delivery phase is where you turn promises into experiences and customers into raving fans. It’s about delighting people, building loyalty, and inspiring them to come back,  maybe even bring their friends.

These final ten strategies will help you strengthen relationships, increase repeat business, and grow through exceptional service and genuine connection.

21. Provide great customer service

Exceptional service creates loyal customers and positive word of mouth. When people feel genuinely cared for, they not only come back — they tell others. Great service is your most underrated marketing channel.

22. Ensure people only buy what they need

Selling the wrong product to the wrong customer hurts your reputation and long-term profits. Focus on fit, not just sales. Honesty builds trust and referrals — the foundation of any sustainable business.

23. Offer high-quality products and services

Marketing brings customers in, but quality keeps them. Review your products regularly, collect feedback, and fix issues fast. The goal? Create experiences so good that people can’t help but tell others about you.

24. Overdeliver and exceed expectations

Surprise your customers with something extra — a handwritten note, bonus content, or unexpected follow-up. These small gestures build emotional connection and turn happy customers into lifelong advocates.

25. Follow up after the sale

Don’t stop communicating once the money changes hands. A simple follow-up email asking, “How are you enjoying your purchase?” shows you care. It also opens doors for feedback, testimonials, and future sales.

26. Invite customers to leave reviews

Positive reviews are today’s word of mouth. Ask for them proactively and make it easy with direct links to Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor. If you get a negative review, respond with professionalism and empathy. How you handle criticism can actually boost your reputation.

27. Add customer testimonials to your website

Testimonials are social proof in action. Feature them on your homepage, sales pages, and contact page. When possible, include video testimonials — they’re authentic, persuasive, and hard to ignore.

28. Send a thank-you note

Whether it’s a quick email, a handwritten card, or a small gift, gratitude goes a long way. A simple “thank you” turns transactions into relationships and shows customers you truly value their business.

29. Offer upsells and cross-sells

Existing customers are the easiest to sell to. Offer relevant upgrades (upsells) or complementary products (cross-sells) that enhance their experience. When done thoughtfully, these offers feel helpful, not pushy.

30. Consider offering a subscription or membership

Recurring revenue adds stability to your business. From VIP memberships to maintenance plans or exclusive access communities, subscriptions deepen relationships and create predictable income while rewarding your most loyal customers.

Marketing doesn’t have to feel complicated or time-consuming. When you focus on the three pillars — Attract, Convert, and Deliver — everything you do starts working together. Build systems that attract customers automatically, convert them authentically, and deliver experiences that make them stay.

To make this even easier, I’ve created a free Step-by-Step Guide to Automate Your Social Media Posts — the perfect first step to creating your own set-and-forget marketing system.

To your success,

David Lee-Schneider Signature

 

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3 Tips On How To Make Email Automation A More Human Experience

3 Tips On How To Make Email Automation A More Human ExperienceDone Digital

The words ‘personal’ and ‘automation’, like day and night, couldn’t be any more contrary. So, when suggesting to clients that we should use email automation to communicate with their customers, they often get a little confused. Every day our inboxes are flooded with promotional offers and impersonal emails from big corporations. Part of my job is to make customer experiences more personal and human, and email automation software, like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign and Ontraport are the perfect tools to do just that.

Here are 3 things you can do today to make emailing your customers more personal and gain valuable insights, all while freeing up more of your busy time.

1. Send a ‘personal’ follow-up email

Your customers might opt-in for your newsletter, download a lead magnet, or purchase a product or service. They then usually receive an automated confirmation e-mail to thank them for taking action. One powerful way to make email automation more personal and human is to send them a ‘personal’ follow-up email shortly after the initial confirmation email. The amount of people who reply to this email is phenomenal and many will even thank you for the warm and personal welcome. I usually send this about an hour after the confirmation email.

Real World Example:



“Hi, [Customer First Name],

 my name is David, digital marketing consultant here at Done Digital. 



I noticed that you just downloaded our free e-book and thought I quickly reach out to say hi and introduce myself. If you have any questions regarding the ebook, or in general, I’m always just an email away. :)



Would you be open to sharing some of the challenges you currently face in your business when it comes to marketing, [Customer First Name]? Have you got any specific goals that you looking to achieve in the coming months?



I look forward to hearing from you,



Kind regards,


David”



Tip: Keep the email in plain text (no branding or template) so it actually looks like you just sent it. Insert your email signature at the bottom of the email, just the way you normally would. You might want to restrict send times for this email to business hours, so customers don’t receive a personal email from you at 3am – unless that’s part of the image that you are trying to convey.

 




2. Collect customer data & actually use it

Many businesses collect customer data but never actually make good use of it. Over time, you might collect a number of details about your leads or customers, such as their name, gender, location, birthday, interests, and what products they purchased. This is all data you can use to make your customer experience more personal.

 As a service-based business, you might have a range of services that you offer. Send customers a different series of emails, depending on the service they signed up for. As a gym or yoga studio, you might have a 30-day introductory offer. Design an email sequence that helps people get the most out of their first month with you. Make them feel welcome, educate and inspire them. They are much more likely to stay if you nurture them and deliver a personal experience. Make sure to ask questions to find out where your customers might need some help or what they particularly like about your service. Asking for feedback will not only create rapport with your customers but help you improve your business significantly along the way.

Real World Example:



“Hi [Customer First Name],



it’s already been a week since you signed up for our 30-day intro offer. How are you going so far?

 Have you already had some minor (or major) successes that you are happy to share with me? Or is there anything that you might need help with? Maybe motivation, a nutrition plan, or advice with certain exercises? 

You can always contact me or have a chat with one of our personal trainers. We want to make sure  you get the most out of your 30 days.



Also, how is the time table working out for you? We are always trying to improve and increase the number of classes we offer. Are there certain times during the week that would suit you better?



Look forward to hearing from you, [Customer First Name].



Warm Regards,


[Gym Owner Name]”

 




3. Ask good questions in your email automation sequences

Asking good questions in your emails will give customers the opportunity to respond, thus deepening relationships and building rapport. Most businesses make the mistake to only talk about themselves and their product features. Asking good questions shows that you care about your customers and puts the focus on them. It’s only when we ask questions that we can learn about our customers and use this information to develop better products and services.

Here are some questions that you might want to start asking in your email automation sequences:

•    “What are some of the challenges you are currently facing and how could we be of help?”
    •    “Is there anything about our product/service you think we can improve?”
    •    “What do you like the most about our product/service?”
    •    “Who would you recommend our product/service to?”


Tip: Restrict each email to a maximum of one or two questions. Asking too many questions at once will put off customers, rather than encourage them to reply to your message.

After all, knowing what truly matters to our customers helps us to contribute in more meaningful ways and make the world a little better. One email at a time.

What’s your experience with email automation (good or bad)? Have you sent emails to your customers that performed really well? What are your thoughts about email automation? Let me know in the comments below. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

If you are ready to transform your marketing and take your business to the next level, check out my 90-Day Marketing Transformation. I might be the guy who can help you.

 

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