Your customers are already planning for the new year. Once again, IT spending will likely be reduced overall, putting you as a managed service provider (MSP) on the defensive and forcing you to prove your worth to your customers. Getting ahead of this can make all the difference for you and your team.
Consider doubling down instead of scaling back your MSP marketing efforts this budget season. When done correctly, marketing can help you reinforce how you, as an MSP, can improve the security and operations of prospects and customers while saving them money. Pulling this off would be a game-changer for you.
Consider doubling down instead of scaling back your marketing efforts this budget season.
Here are four reasons to focus on MSP marketing during budget season:
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1. There's Less Competition
Invest in marketing while other MSPs cut back on it. You'll foster customer connections as your rivals reduce their marketing spend. This further distinguishes your brand from rivals. It tells customers that you're thriving even in unstable economic conditions.
Invest in marketing while other MSPs cut back on it.
Less competition means there are more opportunities for growth. If your rivals spend less on their marketing, businesses will have fewer options to choose from. As a result, your services will stand out from the pack.
2. You Can Increase Your Brand's "Share of Mind"
"Share of mind" marketing helps you position your brand at the forefront as businesses evaluate essential services for the future. Use your marketing to position your brand's services as critical. This helps you connect with customers on an emotional level and drive sales and revenues.
Take advantage of share of mind marketing by explaining what your brand is all about and what you bring to the table. In the short term, customers will see what you have to offer. And, in the long run, they're likely to choose your brand over the competition time and time again.
Check out these marketing templates that we created to help MSPs sell backup services, including a promo email, customer presentation, and a leaflet:
3. You Won't Have to Spend as Much as You Would at Other Times of the Year
According to research, advertising prices fell by as much as 13% during past recessions. The global economy remains uncertain, but you have control over what you spend on your marketing. During this time, make the investment in marketing, and you'll get the biggest bang for your buck.
In a period when there's less demand for marketing, it's more affordable to promote your business. Thus, you can buy more ads with less money. On top of that, the return on your investment could be greater than what you'd get by spending money on ads at other times of the year.
In a period when there's less demand for marketing, it's more affordable to promote your business.
Further reading Top 10 Mistakes MSPs Make that Cost Time and Money
4. You Can Highlight Your Company's Stability
Marketing now is an opportunity to showcase your company's stability. You previously promoted your managed services throughout the year and, at this point, you're doing the same. Customers searching for managed services will view your business as dependable and consistent. As companies understand what you offer, this can help you generate leads.
Like many companies, you have no idea how the future will turn out. Regardless, your company is marketing its services and wants to help businesses in any way it can. Companies will see this and be drawn to it. They can engage with your company, learn more about your services, and understand why they need them.
Want to Make the Most of the Budget Season?
As your customers prepare for the new year and IT budgets tighten, now is the time to demonstrate your value as an MSP. By positioning yourself as a trusted partner who can improve security, streamline operations, and save customers money, you’ll gain a critical edge in the upcoming year.
Download our free guide to learn how MSPs can change their business approaches to maintain high profits in 2024. In this guide, you will find:
- Key ways to analyze your opportunities and business health
- Practical steps for boosting your profits
- Tips on how to review your marketing strategy