Uncovering Your Potential: How to Get Your Business Noticed for Everything You Offer

As the Readers’ Choice contest on our website shines a spotlight on outstanding businesses, we’ve heard from some owners wondering why they weren’t included in certain categories. This is a great opportunity to explore how businesses can effectively promote goods, foods, or services that often go unnoticed.

1. Recognize Perception vs. Offering

It’s common for businesses to be associated with their flagship product or service. For example, a bakery known for its cakes might also serve incredible sandwiches—but if those sandwiches aren’t promoted, customers won’t associate them with your brand. Identifying these overlooked gems is the first step to changing that narrative.

2. Showcase Your Hidden Talents

• Social Media Spotlight: Use your platforms to highlight the lesser-known aspects of your business. Post photos, customer testimonials, or behind-the-scenes stories to create intrigue.
• Cross-Promotions: Bundle your secondary offerings with your main products to create a buzz. For instance, “Buy a dozen cupcakes and get a free sandwich sample!”
• Special Events: Host a tasting or demo day to let customers experience these hidden services or products firsthand.

3. Leverage the Readers’ Choice Contest

This contest provides the perfect platform to help you stand out.! Here’s how you can position yourself in the running for future years:

• Nominate Yourself: If you believe your business excels in a category, submit your name during the nomination period. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you. (The nomination period for this year’s contest has officially ended.)
• Encourage Voting: Actively promote the contest to your followers. Share what makes your business unique and ask for their support.
• Engage Your Community: Celebrate others’ wins and build connections. This collaborative spirit often leads to new opportunities.

4. Tell Your Story

Customers resonate with stories, not just products. Share why you started offering a particular product or service and what sets it apart. Perhaps your a personal experience or local tradition inspired your hidden talent or a special product —let your community in on it.

5. Assess Your Marketing Strategy

If people don’t associate your business with certain categories, it’s likely due to communication gaps. Audit your website, ads, and social media to ensure you’re highlighting all the services or products you want customers to know about.

Conclusion

Excelling in a specific niche builds value, but diversifying how people perceive your brand opens the door to even greater recognition.. Whether it’s preparing for next year’s Readers’ Choice contest or simply expanding your customer base, now is the time to amplify the hidden strengths of your business.

Let this contest inspire you to celebrate and promote all the wonderful things your business has to offer!

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