Direct Selling, also known as Network Marketing or Multilevel Marketing (MLM) or Referral Marketing, has been around in India for more than two decades. However, Direct Selling shot into the limelight during the Covid-19 pandemic when it provided self-employment opportunities to millions in India. But how doe you boost your direct selling business?
Are you new to the Direct Selling business? Are you struggling to grow your sales or sustain your business? Have you exhausted all your ideas to increase your sales and revenues? This article gives you ideas that will help you to boost your Direct Selling Business.
Direct Sales – Augurs Well in India
Earlier, Network Marketing was looked upon with suspicion mainly because companies that started as MLM duped innocent investors by incorporating the illegal pyramid business scheme. And, they vanished in no time.
Times have changed. The Indian government has boosted the Direct Selling industry with Make in India, Vocal for Local, Women Empowerment, Startup India, and Skill India.
Further, the government have drafted regulations to safeguard the interests of investors. It has increased the confidence levels of people and encouraged them to join the industry.
Also, the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) has collaborated with Shoolin University and introduced a PG in Direct Selling starting the academic year 2021-22. Direct Selling has now become a career option for those looking to attain financial freedom and become entrepreneurs.
Implementing Smart Marketing Ways can Attract More Customers
Direct Selling can be challenging, but rewards associated with it can be mindboggling. In terms of marketing and advertising strategies, it offers flexibility. Before the onset of the Internet, marketing a Direct Selling business was restricted strictly to person-to-person interaction. The easy access to the Internet has opened options to a potentially unlimited market.
When you sign with a Multilevel Marketing company, it is advisable to join hands with a reputable company with a good product line to sell. Products that are daily use can work the best for you.
When you are into the Direct Selling business, a major part is to offer the same business opportunity of making money to others rather than selling products or services. Therefore, it is always essential for you to look for individuals who desire to achieve financial freedom and want flexibility in their work. Creating a strong downline will also benefit you in the long run.
Effective Ideas that will Boost Your Sales
This article assumes you have already partnered with a Direct Selling company, but you are new to the Direct Selling business.
The competition in the market is fierce; new consultants are often discouraged when sales don’t happen. However, Direct Sellers who have a low marketing budget and a little understanding of the Internet can easily build a profitable Network Marketing business.
Your warm list comprises contact whom you know, for example, your relatives, friends, or colleagues. Once you have exhausted your warm list, you need to generate a cold list using several online and offline marketing strategies to keep your business running. Let’s figure out those simple ways that can help you succeed in growing your business.
Interact Personally With All Customers and Offer More to Top Ones
Regardless of the type of business one runs, you need to interact with your customers regularly. It would help if you interacted with them on a personal level as often as possible.
Addressing your customers by their names or knowing a few facts about them can help. It can make your customers feel comfortable and help to gain their loyalty and appreciation. It is always advisable to come out of your comfort zone set a higher bar higher for yourself and your business.
Going a bit further, your loyal customers buy regularly and more from you than others. Identify these customers.
Offer your top customers more discounts than others and what they get at present. You may do this by implementing a program offering them special promotions, incentives, or exclusive access to new product launches or services.
When your creamy customers know how they get appreciated, the other customers too will try to come into this fold. Keeping the slogan Customer is the King in mind and giving your customers a great service can have a far-reaching positive effect on your business.
Leverage Content Marketing and Social Media
Content marketing is about creating content using a suitable platform, for example, your blog. Using your content, you can provide your prospects and customers with information and updates about your business.
You can use content to promote your business or spread the word about it. Further, when your customers or prospects share your content, it helps you increase your business’s reach and visibility.
Social media platforms are great to share your content. You can share the link of your blog or website on social media to share your content. Ensure that your content is entertaining, informative and easily readable to your target audience.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram can enable you to interact with your prospects and customers. It enables you to get feedback. It enables you to offer an effective after-sales service. Further, you may also use the paid advertising option on social media to grow your sales too.
However, it must be noted; as per a study, content marketing provides more than double the Return on Investment (ROI) when compared to paid search advertising. As Hubspot reports, more than eighty per cent of marketers who blog daily have seen an increase in their ROI.
Generate Curiosity by Doing Things Differently
Thinking outside of the box can serve you well in the Direct Selling industry. When you create some suspense around your product or service, it can get people interested and talking about you and your business.
You may try ending your online presentation with a Q&A session and then give your contact details for them to revert with further queries and enquiries. You may even consider asking your prospects about their feedback.
Generate curiosity in your existing customer base and engage with them using innovative ways. Doing so will help create an interest in your business for your customers and attract them to become your members by joining your business. It will help you grow your sales network, also called your downline, and further, grow your Direct Selling business.
Many Direct Sellers sell the same things that you do. So, differentiation matters and is crucial for you to stand out. You need to create a list of things uniquely and effectively in comparison to other Direct Sellers.
Some of the points that you need to consider that helps you to stand out from other Direct Sellers could include:
- What extra value can you offer that other Direct Sellers cannot? For example, you may highlight giving free delivery or offer free newsletters or e-books that give tips on nutrition, well-being, etc.
- What makes you better qualified than other Direct Sellers to sell your products or services? For example, if you are dealing in kitchen products, you can showcase your prowess as a personal chef or a talented cook who shares recipes!
- What makes your business stand out, likeable and more saleable than other businesses? For example, you may highlight dealing in natural products with no side effects. Or you can highlight the great reputation of your company.
You may draft the above ideas and more and implement them in your sales and marketing messaging campaigns. And you can even create a social engagement around them with your target audience.
Incorporate a Referral Scheme
In need of a product or service, potential customers will usually turn to their friends or family members for a recommendation. Some might take the online route to see customer reviews.
A referral occurs when your customer recommends your business to their acquaintances. A referral scheme is a marketing strategy where word-of-mouth recommendation takes place.
You can implement a referral scheme in your business by incentivizing your customers with attractive discounts or gift coupons. It can help you bring in a steady stream of new customers that will ultimately grow your sales and revenues.
Direct Selling is Easy than Ever Before – Do It Smartly!
Direct Selling has never been so easy. The advancements in technology and the easy availability and affordability of the Internet have made it all possible.
Several bloggers, entrepreneurs, and journalists are hooked on the Internet. And many of them have a big following on social media. You can easily identify a few of these influences within your industry. You can introduce yourself and send them free samples. You may request them to mention and appreciate your product or service on their social account. You may gift them something in return!
An influence mentioning your business is like a seal of approval from them. Chances are, you will soon see a spike in traffic to your website. You will soon see your social media followers grow. Ultimately, it will result in more enquiries for products or services that will lead to more sales.
The availability of affordable smartphones and the existence of several video conferencing software tools have made it even easier to interact with your prospect or customer right from the comfort of your home. Unlike before, you no longer have to take the pains to visit their place!
Conclusion: Direct Selling combines the benefits of entrepreneurship and the ease of a corporate job.
The Direct Selling industry has provided additional income opportunities for people in India for more than two decades. It has been instrumental in significantly promoting micro-entrepreneurship.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when most industries were subdued, the Direct Selling industry provided livelihoods to millions. It also contributed substantially to government revenues. If you are a Direct Seller riddled with the burden of growing your business, there is no need for you to lose heart. We have discussed above the most effective ways that are easy to incorporate. They are cost-effective and will help you to grow your business.
