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If you own a business it’s time to get busy and promote it. Most of your competitors are slashing their marketing and advertising budgets–it’s what the feint of heart do in a business slump. But if you want to differentiate yourself from your competitors, now is the time to act like there’s never been a better time to do business with you!
Here are seven ideas to get you started:
1. Offer A Free Newsletter By Email
One of the least expensive and most effective promotional tools you can use is an ezine, or electronic newsletter. That’s exactly what you’re reading! Save yourself the cost of postage, paper and envelopes. Send your message electronically. Yes, you need an email list, and yes, you need permission to send the newsletter. But all of that is easy to do. If you’ve got something to say, your customers and prospects probably want to hear it, and what’s more convenient than an ezine? I started my ezine with just a few hundred email addresses. Today, this ezine is being sent to more than 35,000 subscribers worldwide. Start collecting email addresses. Start sending your ezine. And watch your list grow every week!
2. Tell The Media About Your Business
Many major businesses issue several news releases daily. Most small businesses issue a news release once or twice a year, if at all. When was the last time you sent a news release to the media? Local newspapers and magazines, as well as regional and national publications devoted to your industry, will publish news about your company if you send it to them!
3. Send Postcards
Go to your local print shop and ask them to help you design a postcard to send to your customers and prospects. It doesn’t need to be four color and it doesn’t need to be expensive. The purpose is to promote your business! Tell your customers and prospects about a special offer, or invite them to your Open House or seminar. If you don’t already have a mailing list, start building one today. Meanwhile, you can rent lists from many different sources. Start with your Chamber of Commerce.
4. Write An Article
Similar to sending a news release, writing an article is a great way to get exposure for your business and to establish yourself as an expert. Get an article in your local business publication or consumer magazine. Submit an article to your national trade publications. Can’t write? Then hire a local journalism student in high school or college to ghostwrite the article for you. Think about the credibility that you gain by getting published in newspapers and magazines. People like to buy from experts!
5. Use Cause-Related Marketing
Whether you raise money for your local Salvation Army and a fund to fight cancer, consumers appreciate businesses that donate money to good causes. Some people may say this smacks of taking advantage of a tragedy, but that’s not what it’s all about. Smart businesses have always used cause-related marketing. Find a good cause and support it!
6. Join A Local Tips Club
In fact, join two or three! These groups meet weekly in your area. The members exchange information about their businesses with hopes that the members will buy from one another and promote each other’s businesses. This is a low-cost networking opportunity that can generate new sales. Tips Clubs usually meet for breakfast or lunch. Look in your local business newspaper for meeting dates and times. Get involved in one or more of these groups and ask the members to promote your business in return for you promoting their businesses.
7. Celebrate With Your Customers
Invite your customers and their family and friends to a party at your place! Celebrate! What are you celebrating? Whatever you want. Your dog just had pups. Your kid’s football team won a state championship. You’re rewarding your smiling and gracious employees. There are many reasons to celebrate. Choose one (or more) and throw a party at your place of business. Don’t wait for the holiday crunch, start celebrating now!
