By Bob Johnson
Most businesses, especially those just starting out, have a very small advertising budget from which to promote their products or services. However, many low-cost ways exist to market your business. Try these ideas:
1. Send a press release to local and industry publications. Include information regarding: new products or services, record sales, expansion, and promotions.
2. Write a column in your local newspaper or regional publication. This will promote your expertise and your business.
3. Place ads in low-cost, smaller circulation publications. You'll get more ad for the money and can place ads more regularly.
4. Hold contests. One bookstore holds a literary trivia contest for its customers. Another idea is to sponsor a fund-raising event. Ask area businesses to chip in with prizes and refreshments.
5. Thank you cards. Send these to first time-time customers as well as your best clients. It shows you give personalized service and appreciate their business.
6. Develop an incentive program for regular customers. A card shop offers a program where every 12th greeting card is free.
7. Use promotional products. Sell low-cost T-shirts with your business logo and advertising slogan. Hold a customer appreciation day in which you pass out pens, notepads, keychains, and the like with your company name and message. The saying "you have to spend money to make money" is certainly true but, as the above examples show, you don't have to spend a lot of money to increase public awareness of your company.
Bob Johnson is the owner of Ocean Line Marketing, a distributor of promotional products and imprinted greeting cards visit his website below: Imprinted Promotional Products / Custom Greeting Cards |
