35 Ways to Build a Following for Your Tech Company
Aug 2, 2024
Fello Agency is a tech marketing agency dedicated to serving the tech industry. We collaborate with some of the world’s most innovative tech companies, from quantum to space and beyond. Our mission is to craft compelling narratives, build powerful brands, and drive our clients' financial success.
What Type of Tech Company Following?
While we can build various types of followings for tech companies, our primary focus is on investors, industry enthusiasts, potential employees, and customers. We aim to create a strong online presence and build awareness of our clients' solutions, company culture, and overall brand identity. Achieving a level of reach comparable to industry leaders like SpaceX, Tesla, and Nvidia is our ultimate goal.
Why Build a Tech Following?
A substantial following offers numerous advantages. It accelerates time-to-market, streamlines recruitment, and facilitates resource sharing. Moreover, a strong online presence attracts investors and enhances brand value. We’ve all witnessed the competitive landscape where a larger following often translates to faster growth and greater market influence.
What is This Blog About?
This blog will outline 35 distinct strategies for building a robust following for your tech company. While some tactics may overlap, we believe you’ll discover innovative approaches to implement within your business. Our goal is to empower you to achieve tangible results.
1. Invest in Your Brand
Don't expect others to value your company if you don't demonstrate that value yourself. Clients, investors, and followers respect companies that present a serious and high-quality image. If you aim to build innovative solutions and establish a strong presence in the tech community, your brand must reflect these ambitions. Fello offers extensive resources to help you build a solid brand foundation through design and voice.
2. Understand Your Company's Purpose
Every member of your team should clearly understand your company's overarching goal. At Fello, we've encountered numerous companies overly focused on financial gain. While profit is essential, a truly innovative tech company aims to achieve something greater. SpaceX, for example, seeks to advance humanity.
If your primary motivation is an IPO, selling merchandise, or simply generating buzz, long-term success is unlikely. Companies with inspiring missions build stronger followings. Ensure your messaging clearly communicates your company's honorable purpose.
3. Create Engaging Video Content
(A great example of a deep tech company creating video content, this is a about us video for a qauntum computer shot by Fello Agency.)
Captivate your audience with exciting video content. Share company updates, showcase case studies, and demonstrate your technology in action. Figure has excelled at creating innovative and visually appealing content, propelling them to the forefront of humanoid robotics. Their success is a testament to the power of video in building a loyal following and fostering a passion for technology.
4. Share Industry Insights
Your tech company is more than just a product or service; it's a contributor to a broader industry. Similar to SpaceX leading the space exploration industry, you should share knowledge benefiting the entire sector.
For instance, a 3D printing company can discuss the transformative impact of the technology on manufacturing, from reducing costs to enhancing product design. By positioning yourself as an industry thought leader, you attract a wider audience, build trust, and establish your company as a key player in the market.
5. Prioritize Blogging
Blogs are poised for a resurgence thanks to advancements in AI. They offer a platform to showcase leadership, share valuable information, and establish your company as an industry authority.
For tech companies, especially those operating in complex fields, providing detailed explanations, data, and sources is crucial for building credibility. Consistently publishing high-quality blog content can solidify your reputation as a reliable source of industry knowledge.
6. Build an Email Newsletter
Consistent communication with your followers is vital. An email newsletter is an effective tool for maintaining engagement. However, ensure the quality of your newsletter aligns with your company's innovation level.
SpaceX successfully utilized email newsletters to connect with its fanbase, demonstrating the power of this platform. Remember, exceptional content is key to retaining subscribers.
7. Remember Your Followers' Birthdays
This strategy is often overlooked, but it can have a significant impact. While primarily associated with B2C companies, this tactic can be effectively implemented in the B2B world.
By capturing birthday information and acknowledging your followers on their special day, you demonstrate genuine care and keep your brand top-of-mind. A small gesture can go a long way in building strong relationships.
8. Dive into Industry Events
Active participation in industry events solidifies your company's position as a thought leader. While challenging for early-stage startups, these events offer invaluable opportunities to connect with potential followers, partners, and competitors on a personal level.
From tech giants like CES to specialized conferences in aerospace, defense, or quantum computing, attending and engaging with the community is essential for building a strong following. Remember, your network can extend far beyond your target customers.
9. Build a Community
Fostering a sense of community among your followers can be incredibly powerful. By connecting like-minded individuals, you create a space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
For example, a tech marketing agency like Fello can facilitate connections between clients sharing similar challenges or goals. This not only enhances the value proposition but also strengthens your brand as a platform for industry collaboration. Remember, a thriving community can amplify your company's influence and create long-lasting relationships.
10. Diversify Your Following Channels
While popular platforms are essential, don't limit yourself. Explore niche communities and platforms relevant to your industry. For instance, a space exploration company might find success on platforms like Reddit's r/space or industry-specific forums.
Reddit, in particular, offers a vast array of communities. Engaging in relevant subreddits can help you understand your target audience, gather valuable insights, and build relationships. Remember, these platforms are not just for promotion but for genuine interaction and knowledge sharing.
11. Create a Website Reflecting Your Innovation
Your website is often the first impression potential customers, investors, and partners have of your company. It's crucial that it aligns with your technological advancements. Even if your product isn't fully developed, your website can still convey a sense of innovation and professionalism.
Imagine a space exploration company with a website that looks outdated. It undermines the credibility of their ambitious goals. A well-designed website, even in the early stages, can significantly impact how people perceive your company.
12. Segment Your Audience
Understanding your followers on a deeper level is crucial. By segmenting your audience based on interests, demographics, or engagement levels, you can tailor your content and communication.
Prioritize building an email list as a core component of your strategy. This allows for direct and personalized communication. Focus on creating a clear follower journey, guiding social media users towards subscribing to your email newsletter.
13. Implement Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
A strong call to action (CTA) is essential for guiding visitors through your website. Whether it's signing up for a newsletter, downloading a white paper, or scheduling a demo, make sure your CTAs are prominent, compelling, and aligned with your overall goals.
By offering incentives like exclusive coupons or valuable company insights, you can encourage visitors to take the desired action and move further into your marketing funnel. Remember, a well-crafted CTA is the bridge between initial interest and conversion.
14. Offer Exclusive Tours
Providing exclusive tours to your most engaged followers can be a powerful way to deepen connections and generate buzz. This strategy works exceptionally well for companies with visually impressive operations, such as manufacturing facilities or cutting-edge research labs.
By inviting influencers, journalists, and key opinion leaders for behind-the-scenes access, you not only strengthen existing relationships but also create opportunities for earned media coverage. Remember, a memorable experience can lead to amplified brand advocacy.
15. Leverage Influencer Partnerships
Collaborating with influencers can significantly boost your brand's visibility. For B2C tech companies, sending products to influencers in exchange for content is a common and effective strategy.
Companies like Creality, specializing in 3D printers, have successfully employed this tactic by providing products to tech influencers for reviews and demonstrations. This approach generates authentic content, reaches a wider audience, and builds trust among potential customers.
16. Offer Beta Access to Potential Clients
Providing early access to your B2B technology can be a powerful strategy for building anticipation and generating valuable feedback. For instance, an XR software company could offer free goggles and software to manufacturers and industrial operations.
This approach not only creates a loyal following of early adopters but also provides invaluable insights into product performance and user needs. By investing in beta testing, you can optimize your product for market launch and increase your chances of long-term success.
17. Cultivate a Talent Community
Don't let potential employees slip through the cracks. Even if you can't accommodate their current job search, nurture their interest in your company. Create a talent community where you can maintain relationships with promising candidates.
Offer opportunities to stay informed about your company's progress through email newsletters or social media. By valuing their interest and keeping them engaged, you're building a pipeline of potential future hires who are already invested in your brand.
18. Host Industry-Leading Events
Position your company as an industry thought leader by organizing events that bring together experts and enthusiasts. A space company, for example, could host a conference featuring renowned space scientists and engineers.
These events not only elevate your brand's profile but also provide opportunities to network with potential customers, investors, and partners. By creating a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, you establish your company as a key player in the industry.
19. Leverage Podcasts
Podcasting is a powerful medium for reaching your target audience. By appearing on industry-specific podcasts, you can introduce your company to a new group of potential customers and followers.
Highlighting key team members, such as the CTO, can provide valuable insights into your company's technology and vision. Remember, consistent podcast appearances can significantly boost your brand's visibility and thought leadership.
20. Host Your Own Podcast
Creating your own podcast provides a platform to delve deeper into your industry and establish your company as a thought leader. By discussing the broader industry landscape and positioning your technology as a solution, you attract a highly targeted audience of decision-makers.
A well-produced podcast can elevate your brand's image and generate valuable leads. Remember, consistent content and engaging discussions are key to building a loyal listenership.
21. Create Memorable Merchandise
Merchandise can be a surprisingly effective way to build brand loyalty and increase visibility. While it might seem unconventional for some tech companies, creative and useful merchandise can leave a lasting impression.
Consider creating items that align with your brand identity and offer practical value to your target audience. For example, a tech company focused on productivity tools could offer branded accessories like laptop sleeves or noise-canceling headphones. Remember, the goal is to create merchandise that people will actually use and enjoy, reinforcing your brand identity in a tangible way.
22. Forge Strategic Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Collaborating with educational institutions can yield significant benefits for your tech company. By partnering with schools focused on relevant fields, you gain access to a pool of potential talent, industry insights, and a platform to showcase your brand.
For instance, deep tech companies can establish partnerships with engineering schools to foster innovation, recruit top talent, and contribute to academic research. These collaborations not only build a strong foundation for future growth but also position your company as an industry leader.
23. Give Back to Your Community
Demonstrating corporate social responsibility can significantly enhance your brand's reputation. By supporting causes aligned with your company's mission, you attract like-minded individuals who share your values.
For instance, a life sciences company focused on cancer research can organize fundraising events or donate a portion of its profits to cancer-related charities. This not only generates goodwill but also showcases your company's commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
24. Support Industry-Related Causes
Demonstrate your commitment to the industry by supporting relevant causes. For instance, a pet tech company could donate to animal shelters or research organizations.
This not only enhances your brand image but also positions your company as a genuine advocate for the industry. By aligning your company with worthwhile causes, you build trust and attract like-minded customers and partners.
25. Leverage Government Incentives and Programs
Government incentives and programs can provide significant support for tech companies. Explore opportunities offered by local, regional, and national governments.
Programs like Venture Lab, which supports hardware startups, demonstrate the potential benefits of government initiatives. By actively seeking and utilizing these resources, you can accelerate growth, reduce costs, and gain valuable exposure.
Remember to thoroughly research available programs and understand the eligibility criteria to maximize your chances of success.
26. Collaborate with Industry Leaders
Inviting industry leaders to share their perspectives on your technology can significantly elevate your company's credibility. By partnering with respected experts, you gain access to their networks and insights.
Quantum computing companies have effectively utilized this strategy to build a strong following among engineers and researchers. Collaborations with thought leaders can generate buzz, attract talent, and position your company as a frontrunner in your industry.
27. Harness the Power of PR
Steve Jobs famously championed PR, attributing much of Apple’s success to it. A well-executed PR strategy is essential for building a loyal following. Utilize PR to disseminate product updates, showcase innovation, and cultivate a loyal following. From product launches to company milestones, PR can amplify your message and reach a wider audience. Remember, a solid product or service is essential for successful PR campaigns.
28. Cultivate a Positive Company Culture
Treat employees with respect and appreciation. This fosters a positive company culture, leading to higher employee morale, increased productivity, and ultimately, a stronger brand reputation. Happy employees are more likely to be brand advocates, sharing positive experiences and attracting potential customers. Invest in employee well-being, professional development, and open communication to create a thriving workplace culture.
29. Monitor and Respond to Online Sentiment
Actively monitor online conversations about your company. Understand what your audience is saying, both positive and negative. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and capitalize on positive sentiment. Powerful tech companies prioritize listening to their audience and responding accordingly.
30. Run Engaging Giveaways
Giveaways can significantly boost engagement and expand your reach. Consider offering products or services relevant to your industry. For instance, a 3D printer company might offer filament, while a space exploration company could offer scale models. Tailor your giveaway prizes to your target audience and make it a memorable experience.
31. Collaborate for Maximum Impact
Strategic partnerships can significantly amplify a company’s reach and influence. By aligning with complementary businesses, companies can create mutually beneficial campaigns that resonate with shared audiences. Joint promotions, contests, or events can introduce new customers to both brands, expanding overall market penetration. It’s essential to measure the performance of these collaborations to assess their effectiveness and inform future partnerships.
32. Data-Driven Decision Making
Leveraging customer data is paramount in today’s competitive market. By meticulously collecting and analyzing customer information, businesses can uncover valuable insights into preferences, behaviors, and trends. These insights can inform product development, marketing strategies, and overall customer experiences. Data-driven decisions ensure that resources are allocated effectively, maximizing return on investment.
33. Cultivate a Customer-Centric Culture
A company’s success hinges on its ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences. By fostering a customer-centric culture, businesses can build loyalty, increase satisfaction, and drive growth. Empowering employees to make customer-focused decisions, providing exceptional support, and actively seeking customer feedback are essential components of this approach. Measuring customer satisfaction metrics is crucial for identifying areas of improvement and ensuring ongoing success.
34. Rewarding Loyalty
Implementing a tiered loyalty program can significantly enhance customer retention. By offering a variety of rewards based on customer spending or engagement, businesses can incentivize repeat purchases and deepen customer relationships. Clear communication about the program’s benefits and easy enrollment processes are key to maximizing participation. Tracking program performance helps identify areas for improvement and optimize rewards.
35. Care.
Care and listen to what your followers are telling you this is the perfect way to improve and stop things that are not working. Let's be real here not everybody cares. This is why it's essential to have a team that cares about the technology the industry about the innovation that this amazing incredible technology has on humanity if this one point is not followed, everything else will fall apart.
Fello Agency: Your Tech Industry Partner
Fello Agency is a leading tech marketing agency collaborating with some of the world’s most innovative brands. From the depths of quantum computing to the heights of AI, we partner with visionary companies to craft compelling narratives that showcase their groundbreaking technologies. We’re passionate about helping engineers share their stories and make a lasting impact on the world.
Fello Agency is a top agency for tech companies pushing the boundaries in hardware and software. Our clients include leading companies in the XR space, Quantum space, and many more. We're here to help you leverage the future of marketing with a free consultation. Contact us today!
By Zachary Ronski.