Effective Marketing Strategies

Food for thought?
Do you think customers know and trust your products or services enough? Do you know what your customers really want? When was the last time a customer talked about your product or service? Was it a complaint or compliment? When was the last time a customer referred your product or service? Does your company have a reputable brand?
The answers to all these questions lie in marketing.
How you market your business can determine if the enterprise will be successful or not. Marketing is a tool used to create and maintain demand, relevance, reputation, competition and more. Without it, your business is likely to close down due to lack of sales.

I’d simply like to define marketing as efforts made by an individual or a company to boost the buying or selling of its product or service.


Why is Marketing so Important?

Marketing isn't simply an important part of business success – it is the soul of the business. Everything else in the business depends upon marketing. Check out these few reasons why marketing is so important to every business.


1: Marketing announces the existence of your business
First things first, potential customers must be aware of the existence of a new business and the product or service it offers before even trying to convince them to patronize such business. Imagine you are starting a new business and no one knows about it? Who then will patronize your product or service?

No matter how wonderful a product or service is, if it is not known, then it is as good as dead ab initio.

With marketing, you can shout and announce a new product or service to the world!


2: Marketing Is a Communication Channel Used to pass Information to Customers
Marketing informs your customers about the products or services you’re offering them.
Through marketing, the customers get to know about the value of the products, their usage and additional information that might be helpful to the customers. It creates brand awareness and makes the business stand out from competition.
There’s stiff competition in the market and you need to be a constant voice to convince the customers. Inform your customers of discounts and other competitive tricks you intend to use.
Through communication, marketing helps your business become a market leader.


3. Marketing Is an Effective Way of Engaging Customers
It is important for your business to engage its customers. Marketing is a tool to keep the conversation going.
Engaging customers is different from pushing your offers. Engaging involves furnishing your customers with relevant information about your products and your business as well. It’s all about creating fresh content.
Tell your customers what they don’t know. Let it be interesting, helpful and worth their time.
Social media is one of the best platforms where you can engage your customers. Some organizations use short videos and other humor-laden tricks to engage their customer base.
By engaging your customers, marketing gives them a sense of belonging.

4. Marketing Helps to Build and Maintain the Company’s Reputation
The growth and life span of your business is positively correlated to your business’s reputation. Hence, it’s fair to say your reputation determines your brand equity.
A majority of marketing activities are geared towards building the brand equity of the company.
Your business’s reputation is built when it effectively meets the expectations of its customers. Such a business is considered a responsible member of the community. The customers become proud to be associated with your products.
Businesses/marketers use effective communication, branding, PR and CSR strategies to ensure that a business’s reputation is maintained.

5. Marketing Helps to Boosts Sales
Marketing utilizes different ways to promote your products or services. Once a product has been advertised, it’s already on the radar and this increases your chances of selling it.
Customers may want to try your products or services and this will trigger a purchase decision.
When customers are happy about your products or services, they become your brand ambassadors without your knowledge. They will spread the word and your sales will start to increase.
Ensure you offer high-quality products and services to complement your marketing efforts.

6. Marketing Aids in Providing Insights About Your Business and what it offers
Every business marketer needs to understand the need for targeting the right audience. However, you must have the right content to share with your audience. Your marketing strategies can help you establish what business messaging will convince the target audience.
At this point, you have to test different messages and see what works.
Once you have tested different sets of messaging on the target audience, you will find a viable baseline for your marketing efforts.
It acts as a metric and provides the insight needed to make you avoid guesswork.



7. Marketing Helps Your Business to Maintain Relevance
All business owners and marketers need to understand the need for disrupting a potential consumer’s opinion about other products. But don’t make a mistake of taking this chance for granted.
Most businesses assume that they will always remain the client’s favorite brand because the client has never complained. This is a wrong assumption. You need to find ways to remain at the top of the client’s list of options.
Every relationship needs to be maintained. Marketing helps your business to maintain a good relationship with customers by making you remain relevant.
Don’t focus on gaining new customers before addressing the need to retain the present ones.


Marketing Strategies?

It is becoming more obvious by the day that businesses which want to remain competitive will need to up their game when it comes to marketing.

Effective marketing can be approached with the following methods

1: Digital and Social Media Marketing
Nowadays, businesses are being careful about what type of marketing strategies they invest in. When you have a limited marketing budget, it is important that you spend it wisely to make the most off your money. Marketing through social media is one of the most versatile and cost-effective strategies that businesses can use to reach their target audience and boost sales over time. If you run a small or medium scale business in this day and age and you do not have a ‘’strong’’ social media presence, then you’re on a long thing. I can tell you for free that you are a step backward.

2: Use of Influencers
Influencers are people with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending it due to their high number of followers and social media presence.
There are people/organizations that have the power to influence a lot of prospective buyers and customers about a product or service.
Just imagine someone like Davido, or let’s say Pastor Adeboye or a Tinubu comes out to tell people to patronize a particular product or service, such product or service is as good as sold out.

You may not be able to afford or connect with big influencers to influence the sales of your product or service but the one you know or can connect with can do something. For example, you know someone with so much followers on social media, or someone who belongs to a group or association with so many members, or someone who runs an organisation that brings hundreds of people together constantly.

3: Referrals
Simply put, referral marketing is spreading the word about a product or service through a business' existing customers.
Referral marketing (also known as word-of-mouth marketing) is a powerful tactic and one of the best marketing drivers for sales and conversion. Referral marketing is exactly what it sounds like: a person telling another person about a product, leading to the purchase of that product due to the recommendation.
Referral marketing works because potential customers trust the opinions of “real people” more than they trust traditional advertising and that is why you have to make sure that your existing customers are satisfied with the services you render so it can be easy for them to refer it to others.

4: Discounts and Promotions
Offering discounts and promotions the right way for your business can be a powerful weapon in your conversion arsenal to drive customer patronage and loyalty. The fact is that there are multiple businesses that offer the same products or services as yours, so, you have to find ways of making it look like your customers are gaining something special when they patronize you. You can introduce promos at the slightest opportunity – this works magic. But hey, be careful not to go about it hazardously so it doesn’t become unprofitable.

5: Signage
Signage for your business is integral to brand identity. It helps to enforce that strong statement about what your business stands for, how it should be perceived, what it represents. It may also communicate all necessary contact details. It’s very important for businesses with facilities to have them branded as that serves as on-the-go signage. it’s equally very important for businesses with a physical space to have a sign board.

What more?

Marketing is very important for ‘’our’’ businesses. The content of this article is one that I personally need to implement more on the businesses I run because, it allows businesses to maintain long-lasting and ever-present relationships with their audience. It is not a one-time fix; it is an ongoing strategy that helps businesses flourish.


Gboye Daniel
IG: gboyedaniel
24th October, 2019

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Ikeja is home to a number of media houses in Lagos, with an almost unending list of radio stations, recording studios, visual studios and Television stations. The Television stations however stand out. These TV stations are some of the foremost stations in Lagos and across Nigeria. Daily producing audio-visual contents which has kept thier audiences from the around country engaged over the years. Which is why today, we will be talking about these TV stations: Galaxy TV, HipTV, Lagos State Television (LTV), Murhi International Television (MiTV).

Galaxy TV - With its origin from the largest city in West Africa, Ibadan, Galaxy TV started broadcasting in the year 1994 and was also the first privately registered television station in Nigeria. Galaxy TV is available on channel 27 UHF and 285 on DSTV. Galaxy TV station is located at 25, Community Road, Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.

HipTV - Launched in July, 2007 by Ayo Animashaun with the intention of having it serve as a broadcast platform for Hip Hop World Magazine, but as transformed over the years to a full-fledged music and entertainment channel, which even broadcasts entertainment news from around the world. In November 2013, HipTV was launched on DSTV as a 24-hour channel to serve viewers from over 40 countries across Africa with the channel numbers 324 and 74 on DSTV and GOTV respectively. HipTv is known for its annual music award known as the Headies Awards which recognises high performers in the Nigerian industry annually. The Headies has just concluded its 13th award event titled ‘The Power of Dreams’. HipTV is located at 4, Ogundana Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.

Lagos Television - The administration of Ahaji Lateef Jakande saw the need to establish a television station for the state. This among many other things had to do with the politics of that time, as the state government was not assured of the adequate media coverage of by the government owned NTA. Established in October 1980, Lagos Television commenced on November 9, 1980. The Lagos Television was the first TV station in Nigeria to operate on two frequencies/bands, the VHF and UHF. In September 1985, a mysterious fire destroyed the TV station, with the studios, offices, records and documents all burnt down. It took way over a decade and the ardent efforts of Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the station to make a return limelight, as it had become merely a shadow of its former self. Today, LTV stands tall as one of the best TV stations in Nigeria in both content and transmission quality. The station is also available on cable satelite as channel 256, 113, 90, 850 on DSTV, Startimes, GOTV and Play TV respectively. We should also mention that LTV is located at Plot 1 Lateef Jakande Road, Ikeja, a road named after the governor who established it.

Murhi International Television - MiTV is also one of the foremost media houses in Ikeja. It is one of the most remarkable in the transmission of marketing oriented entertainment programmes, sports, current affairs and culture. It prides itself as being "a politically unbiased, and self-sustaining station". While MiTV has not yet been able to offer 24-hour transmission, it has consistently transmitted for 18 hours daily. MiTV is located at the Muhri Radiovision Plaza at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos.

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, initially named Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti was born on the 15th of October, 1938 to Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, an Anglican clergy and school principal, and Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a feminist and activist. Fela Kuti, as he is well-known as, had two siblings, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Olikoye Ransome-Kuti. He is also a first cousin to the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, the very first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
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Fela studied music at the Trinity College of Music, London in 1959, as against Medicine which his father wanted, like his two other siblings did. In 1960, he married his first wife Remi with whom he had three children, Femi, Yeni and Sola. He returned to a newly independent Nigerian Federation in 1963 after which he worked at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation and played with Victor Olaiya and his band. The name Afrobeat was coined by Fela in 1967 as a mix of jazz, calypso, funk, salsa and traditional Nigerian music. This was the birth of what we have many of our current crop of artistes in Nigeria performing today. The likes of Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Wizkid, Burna Boy and many others have kept the Afrobeat fire burning.
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Fela’s music became increasingly politicized after his tour of the United States in 1969 where he was influenced by Malcom X, the Black Panthers and other militant groups especially the civil rights movements. He began singing about the need for social change with records like: “Zombie”, “Monkey-banana”, “Upside-Down”, “Beasts of no Nation” and many others which he performed. He also set up the independent Kalakuta republic which housed his many housewives and faithfuls. The republic suffered consistent raids by the government as Fela’s songs kept him at loggerheads with the military governments of his time. He was a vocal opponent and a huge thorn in their flesh. A raid in 1977 led to the incarceration and death of his mother. While in exile in Ghana, he changed his name to Anikulapo (the one who has death in his pouch) from Ransome, which he claimed was a slave name. Fela ran for president in 1979 under the Movement of the People (MOP), a political party he had founded. In 1984, the government of Gen Muhammadu Buhari incarcerated him on a charge of currency smuggling. A move Amnesty International and other groups claimed was politically motivated. Fela spent 20 months in jail. Again, in 1993, he was jailed for murder, but the charges were later dropped.
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Fela took time off active political protest and handed over the baton of Afro-beat to his son Femi. His death was announced by his brother, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, who was a prominent AIDS activist and had been a Minister of Health on the 3rd of August, 1997, a day after he died.
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Fela was many things, but beyond being an icon in African music, many Nigerians see him as a symbol of hope, dauntlessness, resolve and freedom. Even in death, it is almost impossible to forget Fela, the songs he sang, his philosophy, his idiosyncrasy and his life. Today we celebrate what is called Felabration at the Afrika shrine in Ikeja. He is the muse of many contemporary Nigerian musicians, even to those who perform other genres, because Fela is more than just music, Fela is a way of life.

The benefits of recreation for kids are almost innumerable. From socialization, to reduced risk of obesity, hands-on learning, improved confidence, better dexterity, identification with preferred sporting activities and games. And to crown it all, it makes kids happy and feel relaxed.
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This summer break is a perfect opportunity to give your kids a long-lasting fun experience.
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Which is why we have brought to you FIVE major recreational centers for kids in ikeja where you can help your kids put all that ‘sugar rush’ into good use:
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1: JOHNSON JAKANDE TINUBU PARK (Governor's Road Alausa, Ikeja)
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2: NDUBUISI KANU PARK (Mobolaji Johnson Ave, Alausa)
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3: PARKLAND AMUSEMENT PARK (Emmanuel street, Off Mobolaji Bank Anthony, close to Maryland)
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4: PLAY ZONE (Ikeja City Mall)
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5: SPUR FAMILY RESTAURANT (Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA)

As the eyes of Ikeja, we can confirm to you, for a fact, that the news going around about CEO Luminee punishing her domestic staff wrongly isn’t true and does not in any way portray her personality or the kind of loving relationship she maintains with her domestic staff and even the students under her fashion tutelage.

She is a person we know quite well, and we know, first hand, how all of that fuss transpired.

CEO LUMINEE has an easy going, fun loving and down to heart personality. She is also a calm and friendly neighbor. She stays two blocks away from one of our hubs in an estate in Opebi.

On a more positive note, we will like to highlight five things you should know about CEO LUMINEE

1. She is popularly known as CEO LUMINEE, her real name, however is Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo and she is the CEO of Anjy Luminee Couture, also known as House of Luminee, a high profile designer outfit in Ikeja, Lagos.

2. She is, unarguably, one of the most patronised and sought-after celebrity designers in the country. Luminee has made dresses for Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo, Sola Sobowale, Ini Edo, Oge Okoye, Sonia Ighalo, Fathia Williams, Dayo Amusa, Mide Martins, Queen Ogunwusi, Kemi Afolabi, Bobrisky, Bukola Adeeyo, Eniola Badmus, Ayo Adesanya, to mention but a few.

3. She has a fashion school that has graduated several students and are doing great in the fashion world.

4. She has a beautiful daughter who is fun and an interesting lass to be around, she was the internet sensation whose mom took to Dubai and didn’t want to return.

5. CEO LUMINEE is a fan of Acura Cars. She has an Acura TL and an Acura ZDX

PS: She is a very beautiful woman too!

We are the eyes and ears of Ikeja, and we will always bring you all the news and happenings in the area. Ikeja na our area!

Thinking of where to shop in Ikeja? Let’s help you navigate your shopping destinations.
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These are 10 Popular Markets and Shopping Malls in Ikeja
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1: ADDAS MALL
Location: Agidingbi road Ikeja
Attractions: Clothing, Groceries, Fabrics, Kiddies, Jewelries and household Items
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2: ADEBOLA HOUSE
Location: Opebi Road
Attractions: Offices, Supermarket, Furniture Store, Bank, Fun place
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3: ALADE MARKET
Location: Allen Avenue / Awolowo Road
Attractions: Clothing, Groceries, Fabrics, Kiddies, Jewelries and household Items
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4: ALAUSA SHOPPING MALL
Location: Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa.
Attractions: Offices, Bank, Business Centers, Clothings, Groceries, Fabrics, Kiddies, Jewelries and Religious items
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5: COMPUTER VILLAGE
Location: Ikeja Under Bridge Axis
Attractions: Phones, Computers, Gadgets, Stationery, Phones and Computer Accessories.
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6: GOODIES SHOPPING MALL
Location: Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
Attractions: Supermarket, Food Court, Pharmacy, Barbing Saloon
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7: GRAND SQUARE SHOPPING MALL
Location: Mobolaji Johnson Avenue Alausa
Attractions: Groceries, Kiddies, Electronic, and household Items
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8: IKEJA CITY MALL
Location: Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa
Attractions: Supermarket, Banks, Telcos Mini branches, Electronics, Gadgets, Food courts, Bars, Cinema, Clothings, Kiddies, Household Items, Fun place
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9: IPODO MARKET
Location: Toyin St / Obafemi Awolowo Road
Attractions: Food stock, Groceries, Household items, Fabrics, Clothing ——————————————————
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10: TRINITY MALL
Location: Obafemi Awolowo way
Attractions: Business Centers, Clothing, Groceries, Fabrics, Kiddies, Jewelries, Pharmacy, Outdoor Bar
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Test your knowledge of Ikeja by arranging these malls and markets in the order of their popularity and add any other you think we might have missed. Let’s see how that goes. �� -

How familiar are you with Ikeja?
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Let’s get you acquainted with some Major Areas in Ikeja. Here they are:
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Adeniyi Jones, Alausa, Allen Avenue, Aromire Avenue, Awolowo Way
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Billings Way,
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Ikeja G R A
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Ladipo Oluwole, Lateef Jakande Rd,
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MM 1&2 Airports, MM International Airport, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Mobolaji Johnson Avenue,
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Oba Akran, Olowu, Opebi, Oregun,
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Simbiat Abiola (Medical) Road,
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Toyin Street.
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Which of these awesome places would you love to visit when next you’re in Ikeja?
If you’ve have any other area you think should be up here, do well to mention them in the comment section.

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