The Dos and Don’ts of Franchise Marketing

Starting a franchise marketing business marks the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling venture. Franchising offers small businesses the chance to expand under the umbrella of well-established brands, mitigating many risks. As a franchise owner, focusing your efforts in the right direction can lead to increased rewards and a higher return on investment. Here are guidelines to help you navigate uncertainties and make informed decisions that will bolster your business

Understand franchise digital marketing

Before entering into a franchise agreement, it's crucial to grasp the franchise system. A franchise system encompasses a range of protocols, policies, and benchmarks that must be adhered to for successful franchise advertising operations. This encompasses various aspects, from marketing and promoting the business to training staff and overseeing inventory. Thoroughly scrutinize the franchise system to confirm its alignment with your business objectives and values. 

Dos for Franchisees marketing business 

1. Hiring the right people and maximizing training

To succeed as a franchise in digital marketing, it's vital to hire the right employees who not only possess the necessary skills but also align with your business's values. Your employees serve as brand ambassadors, so choosing individuals with the right attitude is crucial. Avoid the common mistake of hiring randomly and relying solely on franchisor-provided training to make them productive. During interviews, assess candidates' mindsets and working styles to ensure they are a good fit for your business. Opt for the best candidates and use training to further enhance their productivity.

2. Do: Seek input from franchisees

When considering a franchise opportunity, connecting with current and former franchisees can provide crucial insights into various aspects of the franchisor's system. These experienced business owners can share valuable information about brand reputation, operational standards, support quality, and financial performance, aiding your decision-making process. In some cases, former franchisee's marketing may help you avoid potentially problematic investments. For newer or location-specific concepts with limited franchisees, engage in open discussions with the franchisor's representatives to gather essential information.

3. Do: select the right digital marketing platforms and tools

In franchise digital marketing, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't cut it. It's essential to pick platforms and tools that align with your franchise business model, industry, target audience, and budget. Consider using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for customer engagement, content sharing, and trust building. Leverage email marketing tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or AWeber to nurture leads, deliver personalized offers, and enhance customer loyalty. Additionally, employ search engine optimization (SEO) tools such as Moz, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to optimize your website, improve Google rankings, and boost organic traffic.

4. Do perform competitive analysis and establish progress metrics

To enhance your business operations, it's beneficial to collect data and insights on local competitors. Conduct a competitive analysis to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that can serve as benchmarks for tracking your franchise's progress. Common KPIs include sales, profits, labor expenses, and the cost of goods sold, allowing franchise marketing owners to monitor their performance effectively.

5. Do: establish a robust social media presence

In the realm of franchise digital marketing, a strong social media presence is paramount. Considering that 92% of social media marketers recognize it as a highly effective marketing channel, it's unwise to disregard its potential.

For Franchisees:

• Maintain an active social media presence through regular posts.

• Share appropriate content like promotions, customer stories, and company updates.

•  Keep an eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as response rates, engagement, follower counts, and organic impressions.

For Franchisors:

•  Strike a balance between brand protection and franchisee engagement.

•  Develop a comprehensive social media policy.

•  Offer customizable templates.

• Implement approval-based message workflows to ensure consistent and accurate brand representation across franchisee social media accounts.

Don’ts of franchise digital marketing 

1. Don'ts of signing a franchise agreement:

• Don't rush: Take your time to thoroughly research the brand, understand financial commitments, and seek legal advice before committing.

• Don't overlook termination clauses: Understand how the termination clause can impact your business, as the franchisor may terminate the agreement for various reasons, including performance standards and breaches.

• Don't skip due diligence: Investigate the franchisor's track record, assessing the success of the existing franchisee's digital marketing and reputation in the market.

• Don't forget to negotiate: Always negotiate the terms, including franchise fees and royalties, with legal counsel if needed.

• Don't neglect obligations: After signing, ensure strict adherence to the agreement's terms to avoid termination and protect your investment.

2. Don't: overlook operational expenses

While evaluating your financial readiness for a franchise venture, don't solely focus on upfront fees and initial investments. Consider the possibility of not immediately turning a profit and include operational costs in your budget. This encompasses expenses like rent, employee wages, insurance premiums, office supplies, property taxes, and utilities.

3. Maintain brand consistency

Avoid altering the established brand identity or messaging across franchise locations. Consistency in branding, including logos, slogans, and values, is essential to create a unified and recognizable brand image. Any deviations can confuse customers and dilute brand equity.

4. Prioritize localization without sacrificing brand integrity

While localizing marketing efforts to cater to specific regional preferences, ensure that the core brand identity remains intact. Balancing localization and brand integrity is key to connecting with local audiences while upholding the overarching brand identity.

5. Embrace digital presence

In today's digital age, neglecting to establish a robust online presence can hinder franchise marketing efforts. Create and maintain a user-friendly website, engage with audiences on social media platforms, and explore digital advertising strategies to reach a broader online audience.

Also read: How To Optimize Your Website For Local Search

6. Invest in comprehensive marketing training

Inconsistent marketing across franchise locations can harm the brand's reputation. Provide thorough marketing training and resources to franchisees, ensuring they understand and effectively implement the marketing strategies developed by the franchisor.

Also read: how to deal with customer complaints 

7. Blend traditional and digital marketing

While digital marketing is essential, don't entirely abandon traditional marketing methods like print advertising or direct mail, especially if they remain effective in your target markets. Striking the right balance between traditional and digital channels can maximize your franchise's reach and impact.

Realizing the dream of business ownership is made more accessible through franchising, offering a low-risk pathway. This blog provides essential guidance to empower franchise owners in efficiently managing their businesses. By blending prudent decision-making with the straightforward dos and don'ts outlined here, you can drive significant growth for your franchise.

Cloodot, a leader in SaaS solutions, leverages AI and automation to revolutionize customer experience marketing for businesses. Our suite of tools for reviews and messaging enables you to elevate customer engagement and refine your marketing strategies, resulting in a seamless and rewarding experience for your clientele.

To discover how Cloodot can enhance your customer experience in marketing, our dedicated consultants are at your service.