Right now, a major topic in mainstream media is the security of online data, and chances are that your potential customer base may be concerned as to who is using their information and for what purpose. Small business online marketing strategies should keep this in mind in order to ensure that they stay on the right side of users' personal privacy.
In a recent piece written by Lindsay Levine for Entrepreneur, the author points to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) guidelines on marketing apps. If you are unclear on this issue, it's a good place to start when thinking about the ways targeted online advertising can be smart without upsetting your customers, whether you're promoting an app or another kind of product or service:
- Keep your ads honest and specific. Avoid vague promises and instead focus on testimonials, facts, and other provable values that you can back up. "Explain what information your app collects from users or their devices and what you do with their data," the FTC's website states. "For example, if you share information with another company, tell your users and give them information about that company's data practices."
- Do your research, and know the groups you can't target. Haste makes waste, and rushing your marketing practices through development without proper consultation could lead to the potential for costly errors. The guidelines mention specific regulations that apply to marketing towards children under 13, for example.
- Make a privacy policy that is plain and up-front. Make sure your readers have a good chance of understanding what they're getting into when they click "ok."
Small business online marketing can be an exciting step for a company to take, but only if proper procedures are followed. To develop your business's marketing plan, seek advice from the industry professionals at Key Media Solutions.