Running a queer-owned business or working for an inclusive organization comes with a unique set of challenges and triumphs. You’re passionate about what you do, your mission feels personal, and your community matters. But how do you know when it’s time to take that next step and invest in marketing? You may have been relying on word-of-mouth, community events, or social media posts for a while—but at some point, you might wonder if that’s enough.
If you’re unsure whether marketing is the next move, here are the signs that it might be time to level up.
1. Your Growth Has Hit a Wall
You’ve been getting by with what you’ve got—a loyal customer base, a strong word-of-mouth presence in your community, or some social media buzz. But lately, it feels like things are stalling. Your sales aren’t increasing, and you’re struggling to reach new customers or clients. That’s a big indicator that your visibility isn’t growing in the way it needs to. For queer businesses and inclusive orgs, relying only on your inner circle limits your reach, and without proactive marketing, growth can hit a wall.
Marketing Tip: Start simple. Build an email list of your community, promote events, and create campaigns to target new audiences who align with your values.
2. Your Message Isn’t Reaching Beyond Your Core Audience
Do people outside of your close-knit community know about you? It’s great to have a solid base, but if you want to grow, you’ll need to expand your reach beyond your current supporters. Marketing helps you connect with potential customers or partners who may not have direct ties to your business or organization. For queer and inclusive brands, it’s crucial to showcase the values and mission that make your business stand out to broader audiences.
Marketing Tip: Look into partnerships with other inclusive brands, LGBTQ+ organizations, or influencers who can amplify your message beyond your immediate community.
3. People Aren’t Clear on What You Offer
If your message isn’t clear, your potential customers or clients won’t know what they can get from you. Have you ever had someone say, “I didn’t even know you offered that!” That’s a sign your communication strategy needs a boost. Marketing helps you clearly define and articulate what you offer—whether it’s products, services, or advocacy—and makes sure the right people are getting the message.
Marketing Tip: Focus on refining your core message. What do you offer, who do you serve, and how do you make an impact? Make sure that message is front and center in everything you do.
4. You’re Doing Everything, and It’s Draining You
You’re handling your business or organization, plus social media, community outreach, and maybe even some events. At some point, managing it all starts to wear you down, and you find yourself wishing you had more time to focus on the actual work of your business. Marketing can feel like one more thing to add to your already full plate—but it doesn’t have to. It can actually free you up when done right.
Marketing Tip: Consider outsourcing parts of your marketing strategy, whether it’s creating a content calendar, managing social media, or running ads. A little help goes a long way.
5. You Want to Amplify Your Mission and Make a Bigger Impact
Queer businesses and inclusive organizations often have missions that are about more than just making a profit. You’re trying to create safe spaces, provide services to underrepresented communities, or challenge the status quo. But to make a bigger impact, more people need to hear your message. Marketing helps spread the word, recruit allies, and expand your influence so that your mission reaches the people who need it most.
Marketing Tip: Storytelling is a powerful tool. Share personal stories, customer experiences, or testimonials that align with your mission. This humanizes your business and strengthens the connection between you and your audience.
6. You’re Ready to Compete With Larger Brands
Let’s face it, larger businesses and organizations often have more resources to spend on getting their message out there. But that doesn’t mean queer or inclusive brands can’t hold their own. A strong marketing strategy can help you compete by amplifying what makes your business unique—your authenticity, your values, and your commitment to inclusivity. When your marketing reflects these strengths, you can carve out space in the market, no matter the size of the competition.
Marketing Tip: Focus on what makes you stand out. Your story, your community, and your commitment to inclusion are powerful differentiators. Play to these strengths in your marketing efforts.
7. You’re Constantly Explaining Yourself
If you’re always having to explain what your business does, how you’re different, or why people should care, that’s a sign your brand isn’t clear enough. Marketing can help you streamline your message and make it easier for people to understand what you offer at a glance.
Marketing Tip: Develop a strong brand identity, including a clear logo, tagline, and consistent messaging across all platforms. When people see your name, they should immediately know who you are and what you stand for.
Takeaways
Marketing isn’t just about ads or social media followers—it’s about building awareness, growing your audience, and making a lasting impact. If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be time to invest in marketing for your queer business or inclusive organization. With the right strategy, you can reach new heights, expand your mission, and keep building something that truly matters.
Kommentarer