Simple, Cheap, Advertising Techniques
Every start-up business goes through phases of needing to try something different to increase their exposure and bring in new clients. Even established businesses need to revisit their marketing strategies every once in a while to help bring in new and repeat business.
The consensus among most small business owners is that certain marketing techniques will work for some small business owners but may not be as successful for others. They also agree that the cheaper the method, the better.
I have put together a list of some cost effective marketing strategies that small business owners have found successful, during their startup phase and beyond.
1. A company website. This is probably one of the best and most cost effective forms of having your company visible to your potential clients….and its available 24/7! If you have the time and patience to learn to put something together, give it a try! Or, consider hiring a professional designer in order to get an exceptional site. The benefits of having a website are definitely worth the expense. But remember to shop around and be comfortable with your designer… and the money you pay.
2. Signs in or on your vehicle. Window decals are fairly inexpensive considering their lifespan. Remember to include your website address. If funds are really short, make signs on Bristol board and put them inside the windows. You can also get License decals . These can include your website address, company name, and phone number and fit nicely around your license plate.
3. Join your local business associations. And don’t forget to get involved! Your local Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce can provide an abundance of opportunities for your business. The networking events are a way to meet other business professionals in your community. And, getting involved in the committees allows you to share your expertise and be recognized by your fellow members.
4. Pinup Flyers. Include a tear-off section on the bottom and put the flyers up at your local stores and other locations that may have bulletin boards.
5. Fax Broadcast. Design an informational or fun page, similar to a newsletter, and send it out to fax numbers for your target market. Please note that fax broadcasting is not allowed in some areas of some countries, so be sure it is okay in your area.
6. Keep in touch marketing, such as a personalized thank you to a new client or contact, a Christmas card that simply says thank you, and a monthly newsletter (print and/or online) to all your customers and contacts.
7. Iron on transfers. As a small business owner you already eat and sleep your business, so why not wear it too. You can purchase the transfers at your local business supply store and, I imagine, at craft stores. Then it’s just a matter printing your logo (or whatever you want on the shirt) onto a transfer and ironing it on.
8. Articles & Press Releases. Writing articles is a good way to receive exposure and it also helps you to be regarded as an expert in your field. Press releases can be used to announce a new business, when you provide a new service, or any other time you have some news to tell. There are 2 keys to a press release… the Headline and making sure it doesn’t sound like an advertisement, but more like it is news.
9. Networking. This is another highly beneficial and cost efficient way to get the word out about your business. Attend designated networking events as often as possible. Also, when possible, follow the Three Foot Rule… if appropriate, strike up a conversation with anyone within 3 feet of yourself and be sure to bring up your business.
10. Testimonials. These can be implemented into many pieces of marketing. Include a sentence or two in your advertisements, brochures, newsletters, and you can even dedicate a whole page on your website to the kudos your receive from satisfied clients.
11. Spotabusiness.com provides free advertising for businesses on their site and it really is all free. There are no hidden costs and you even get 1 month of banner rotation for free.
No matter which marketing efforts you use, keep track of where your inquiries and new clients are coming from. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they heard about you and/or your business. Asking only takes a couple of seconds and the results will show you which strategy is working for you the best.
Put your imagination to work… instead of your wallet and watch the business roll in.
Tags: advertising, announcements, Business, business to business, directory, effective advertising, free advertising, free directories, free marketing, how to, marketing, news, social networking, spotabusiness, spotabusiness.com
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December 12, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I agree that a website is key. However what is even more important is getting traffic to your website. So it is a very worthwhile investment to speak to an individual or agency who specialize in search engine marketing and even social marketing. Your website should also be designed so that it is search engine friendly so a word of caution: Get some professional guidance. You don’t have to go to a huge agency. There are plenty of really knowledgeable and talented freelancers out there.
Some of your other ideas may work for some brands but won’t work for others, ie. If you’re a coffee shop or a pizza delivery company decorating your car or wearing Tshirts may be fine — but if you’re a design consultant or an interior designer or even a small group of professionals (accountants, lawyers, advertising specialists, caterers) etc., those ideas are too downscale and are totally off-brand.
I think the key point you are trying to make is, you don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars to establish your brand and promote yourself. You are right about that. But you do have to be knowledgeable and get good, professional advice or even spending a few hundred dollars will turn out to be a waste of money.
How do I know? I’ve been in advertising for more than 30 years and have worked for both some of the biggest agencies in the world and some of the smallest?
December 13, 2008 at 12:02 am
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onSimple, Cheap, Advertising Techniques « Spotabusiness.comâ??s WeblogHere’s a quick excerptThe consensus among most small business owners is that certain marketing techniques will work for some small business owners but may not be as successful for others. They also agree that the cheaper the method, the better. … [...]
December 22, 2008 at 5:41 am
electronic commerce…
GOOD! Keep it up, nice post right here!…
December 24, 2008 at 1:39 am
ecommerce marketing…
Couldnt be more on your side, good reading it!…
January 3, 2009 at 9:49 am
[...] Simple, Cheap, Advertising Techniques [...]