Tips For a Small Business
If you are running a small business, chances are, you do not
have the employees or the budget that bigger businesses have to embark on a
marketing campaign. But fret not because this is not the end of your marketing
endeavor. There are plenty of ways to get your name out there, even if it means
having to write and submit your own marketing material.
Here are 7 low cost but highly effective marketing tips that
can help small businesses find customers and generate sales.
Create your own website
You need to get your company online if only for one reason -
the Internet never sleeps. Many small businesses fail to advertise online and
this can do more harm than good.
The Internet is typically the first place that
people go to for information and by putting up a website; you are creating an
awareness of your business.
Building a website is inexpensive (and sometimes free!) as
there are plenty of website building tools and scripts available on the web.
Make email marketing a
priority
Sending emails is free so create a list of existing and
potential customers and start sending them newsletters or offers. Building a
list is one of the easiest ways to recycle your traffic and earn more money
from the same amount of traffic.
Get involved in social
networking sites
Even if you have a website, you should set up a Face book or
Twitter account, or do both! These sites allow you to connect with regular and
potential clients and may even give you a chance to build relationships with
potential business partners. The best part is you can create a Face book page
or a Twitter account for free!
Use buddy marketing
Plan business promotions with complementary businesses. For
example, if you sell wines, you could work with a restaurant to have a food and
wine pairing night.
Or if you send out brochures, you could include a leaflet of
another business and have them do the same for you by printing stickers,
leaflets or name cards and getting the company to include them with their
brochures.
Offer a cheaper version or
a premium version
Many customers keep an eye out for bargains. A good business
strategy is to accommodate for this by having a no frills version of your
product that you can sell for a lower price. At the same time, it is important
to bear in mind that not all customers are looking for a cheap price.
There are plenty of people who are willing to pay a premium
for quality products. Thus, be sure to keep quality products in stock.
Essentially, you want to have a financial strategy that caters to all budgets.
Don't advertise like a big
business
Because you do not run a big business! It is better to do
your research and advertise smartly and not largely. Instead of paying for a
television advertisement, look into poster or flyer printing and drop these
materials into letterboxes.
Reward the faithful
Did you know that it is easier to get business from someone
you have dealt with before than someone you have never had contact with? This
is why it is important to retain your customers.
Implement a loyalty programmed and reward these customers
with exclusive or special deals. Good service equals happy customers and
chances are, these customers will spread the word. Word of mouth is one of the
best marketing strategies.
Now that you have these tips, you can develop your marketing
strategy. As long as you fine-tune your marketing plan as you progress, you
will succeed.
2 Comments
Very informative and helpful post for small businesses.
ReplyDeleteBulk SMS
nice post, thankyou
ReplyDeleteBulk SMS