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Here’s A List Of Marketing Tips That Are Fun,
Easy And Could Put Money In Your Pocket!
According
to the Small Business Administration 600,000 new businesses open
every year. Almost as many fail. As you would imagine, most
are small companies that are expert in their core businesses but
know little about how to market their companies not to mention
their management team and the expertise and unique elements they
bring to customers
Marketing
IS a science and every strategy should have an actionable tactic
with a measurable result. I have listed below the basics of
what every new and existing small business can do to increase
their chances of success by using these low cost tips:
1. Always
make
customers feel special.
People respond to recognition. A great marketer also makes it
easy for customers to reach a competent person when they need
help with a product or ask questions. Adequate customer support
is often your first opportunity to garner loyalty among paying
clients. What I am saying here is you can’t think “9-5”.
2.
Distribute business cards worth keeping.
Real estate agents sometimes affix their photos and information
to magnetic calendars. Consider distributing notepads with your
tagline and contact info on every page.
3.
Stop marketing to unprofitable — or break-even — customers. You
don’t have the money, the time or the luxury to chase after
clients that simply do not plan to spend their money.
4.
Cultivate a robust email database.
In the mutable days of "new media," it is easy to forget how
effective a direct mailer or e-newsletter can be. Invite
customers and clients to open your mail with special offers,
useful data or other pertinent information.
5.
Improve visibility at trade shows and conferences.
It helps to be a (friendly) regular with sticky, fun giveaways
that people keep. Be selective: trade shows can be costly.
6.
Mix business with pleasure … and charity.
Don't underestimate the viral power of hosting a charity
softball game in the community. You can do the right thing for
others and your company. Yes, that is a “win-win”.
7. If at
all possible, create
a destination online and offline.
Customers gravitate to a pleasant experience. Create a sense of
real community with a consistent experience and you will build a
loyal clientele.
8.
Become an expert in your field.
Why not give advice away? As familiarity with your name grows,
so too will familiarity with your associated brand, product or
service. Blogging, and getting involved with a relevant blogging
community, makes this so easy. And definitely encourage
syndication of useful content.
9.
Build relationships with local media. In smaller markets, this
is so easy. In larger markets, you will likely need the help of
a solid public relations firm or at minimum, a publicist.
10.
Maintain relationships with repeat customers.
You’ve heard it all before:
It costs less to retain a client than to
acquire a new one. Send personal messages and offer
opportunities to improve a customer’s experience with you and
your company.
There you
have it. Hopefully, you can put these tips to use immediately.
For more help, contact me at
MaryAnnButcher@LVRedCarpet.com. Our new Red Carpet
Marketing sm site premieres June 23. Be sure to
visit us:
www.LVRedCarpet.com. Don’t Be the Best Kept Secret!
sm
Mary Ann
McQueen Butcher
Goddess of
Marketing sm
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