Marketing: Selling Ice to Alaskans is Harder Than You Think
Let’s be real: launching a business is tough. You need a rock-solid plan, an all-star team, and an offer people actually want. But even the best product won’t sell itself and that’s where marketing comes in. It’s the difference between trying to hawk ice in Anchorage and selling it to sun-baked shoppers in the Mojave desert.
Ready to flip the odds in your favor? Here are 10 must-do marketing moves that will help you stand out, attract your ideal customers, and grow like crazy:
1. Zero In on Your Ideal Customer
Why it matters: You can’t speak to everyone, but you can speak directly to someone.
- Action: Build a short persona: age, location, biggest challenge, and ultimate dream.
- Tip: Use surveys or five-minute chats with existing customers to validate your assumptions.
2. Craft a Magnetic Brand Identity
Why it matters: Your brand is your business’s personality and make it impossible to ignore.
- Action: Define three brand attributes (e.g., “playful,” “expert,” “welcoming”) and weave them into your logo, colors, and voice.
- Tip: Create a mini “brand bible” with do’s and don’ts for anyone writing or designing for you so everything is consistent and brand-right.
3. Build a High-Converting Website
Why it matters: Your website is your digital storefront so if it’s confusing or slow, you lose not only your reputation but potential revenue too!
- Action: Optimize for mobile, speed, and clear calls to action (CTAs) above the fold.
- Tip: Run a free site-speed test (e.g., PageSpeed) and fix anything scoring below 90.
4. Invest Smartly in SEO
Why it matters: Ranking on page one means free traffic and money that you don’t have to pay per ad click.
- Action: Identify 5–10 core keywords that match your services + location.
- Tip: Create one deep-dive blog post per keyword and answer every question a prospect might have.
5. Leverage Social Media with Purpose
Why it matters: Likes don’t pay the bills, but engagement does.
- Action: Choose 1–2 platforms where your audience actually hangs out (e.g., Instagram for beauty, LinkedIn for B2B).
- Tip: Plan a week’s worth of content in 30 minutes: 3 value-posts, 2 behind-the-scenes, 1 promo, 1 community shout-out.
6. Become a Content Machine
Why it matters: Consistent, high-value content builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
- Action: Maintain an editorial calendar…ideally one meaningful asset per month (blog, video, guide, etc).
- Tip: Repurpose: turn that blog into an email series, infographic, and 3 social posts.
7. Master Email Marketing
Why it matters: Your list is your most reliable sales channel that no algorithm can turn it off.
- Action: Offer a simple lead magnet (e.g., “5-Point Website Audit Checklist”) to grow your list.
- Tip: Send a bi-weekly “insider update” email…mix tips, client wins, and a soft offer.
8. Network Like a Pro
Why it matters: Real-world connections lead to referrals, partnerships, and unexpected wins.
- Action: Attend one industry event or local meetup per quarter with the goal of having 5 real conversations.
- Tip: Follow up within 48 hours with a personalized note (no generic pitch).
9. Measure, Tweak, Repeat
Why it matters: Marketing without metrics is just guesswork.
- Action: Define 2–3 key KPIs (e.g., website leads, email open rate, ad ROAS) and track them monthly.
- Tip: If a campaign under performs, pause after a 10% drop and run a quick A/B test before scaling.
10. Stay Curious and Evolve
Why it matters: The marketing landscape shifts faster than your morning coffee.
- Action: Block 30 minutes each week to read one industry blog, listen to one podcast, or test one new tool.
- Tip: Create a simple “experiment log” document – record test ideas, results, and next steps.
Ready to put these strategies into action?
At Urge Interactive, we don’t just talk marketing, we make it happen. Whether you need a full-funnel SEO overhaul, a conversion-optimized website, or a knockout social campaign, our team has your back.
📞 Call us now at (888) 348-3113 or schedule a free consultation online. Let’s turn that ice-selling challenge into your biggest success story!
