Marketing your business is no longer restricted to traditional methods such as print or radio advertisements. However, implementing an effective marketing strategy using more than one medium will help you ensure maximum exposure, and will allow you to develop a more intricate marketing brand for your business. The following is a list (adapted from About dot com) of basic tips on marketing your business.
1. Print your best small ad on a postcard and mail it to prospects in your targeted market. People read postcards when the message is brief. A small ad on a postcard can drive a high volume of traffic to your web site and generate a flood of sales leads for a very small cost.
2. No single marketing effort works all the time for every business, so rotate several marketing tactics and vary your approach. Your customers tune out after awhile if you toot only one note. Not only that, YOU get bored. Marketing can be fun, so take advantage of the thousands of opportunities available for communicating your value to customers. But don't be arbitrary about your selection of a variety of marketing ploys. Plan carefully. Get feedback from customers and adapt your efforts accordingly.
3. If you send out brochures, you could include a leaflet and/or business card of another business, which has agreed to do the same for you. This gives you the chance to reach a whole new pool of potential customers.
4. Send A Second Offer To Your Customers Immediately After They've Purchased. Your customer just purchased a sweater from your clothing shop. Send a handwritten note to your customer thanking them for their business and informing them that upon their return with "this note" they may take advantage of a private offer, such as 20% off their next purchase. To create urgency, remember to include an expiration date.
5. Newsletters - You can use newsletters to focus your marketing on past customers. Keep costs down by sacrificing frequency and high production values. If printed newsletters are too expensive, consider e-mail–based newsletters sent to people who subscribe at your Web site.
6. Seminars/hosting open-house functions allows you to plan and gain valuable face time with key customers and prospects, as well as get your company name circulating. With the right programming, you'll be rewarded with a nice turnout and media coverage. If it's a seminar, limit the attendance and charge a fee. A fee gives the impression of value. Free often connotes, whether intended or not, that attendees will have to endure a sales pitch.
7. Bartering is an excellent tool to promote your business and get others to use your product and services. You can trade your product for advertising space or for another company's product or service. This is especially helpful when two companies on limited budgets can exchange their services.
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