One of the biggest marketing mistakes that small business owners make is that they assume that everyone is going to make a purchase on the first visit. The truth is that buyers go through a process before they make a purchase. That’s why only 2 to 4% of website visitors buy on their first visit.
Learning the consumer decision process changes your marketing because you can align your marketing strategy with each step of the process. During the consumer journey, you create trust and credibility with potential customers. They become loyal customers who spend more with each purchase.
Want to know how to increase your revenue? Read on to learn about the consumer buying process.
The Problem
The early stages of the customer journey have people who realize they have a problem. They might need a new bike or car. They might want to know how to buy a home. They’ll start thinking about it for a while and then take the next step.
Searching for Information
Google seems to solve all problems. That’s where potential customers will go in the decision-making process. They’ll ask Google about potential solutions. For instance, a first-time homebuyer would look up the requirements to buy a home. A homeowner might look up ways to solve a plumbing problem.
This is a golden opportunity to get your brand in front of customers. Your competitors are likely to ignore this step in the buying process. You can take advantage by focusing on SEO and Google ads. You’ll need to learn how to setup a Google Ads account to get started.
Weighing Options
After buyers gather information about their problems, they’ll start to weigh their options. A homeowner might look at the pros and cons of a DIY repair. Another common method of weighing options is to compare brands and models. They’ll look up reviews and learn more about the alternatives.
They’ll continue to rely on search engines to help them solve the problem. You can position your marketing by writing blog posts that address those questions.
The Final Buying Decision
The final stage of the consumer decision process is the final decision. They’ll do searches to find out where to buy products or hire services. This is the most difficult area to gain a foothold because your competitors are focused on these keywords, too.
Your advantage is that people are already familiar with your business because you met them throughout the consumer decision journey. They’re more likely to work with your brand because they know it and trust it. That’s how you use the customer journey to your advantage.
Marketing Strategies With the Consumer Decision Process
Do you want more customers who are loyal and spend more money? You need to understand your customers and the consumer decision process. This helps you tailor your marketing strategies at each point in the consumer decision-making process. You create a strong connection between your brand and potential customers.
Do you want more tips to improve your marketing strategy? Check out the other articles on the blog today.