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Affordable, do-it-yourself marketing tips
Q: I'm on a tight budget and need some affordable, do–it–yourself marketing tips. What are some things I can start doing today — at little or no expense?
A: Get involved in as many networking groups as possible, such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, BNI (Business Network). Make sure you try to help other people first and follow–up on leads.
The best — and the most affordable — form of advertising is word of mouth. Give people something to talk about. It's important, especially when getting started, to push the envelope a little and do some things that are mildly outrageous. For instance, choose a business card that is different or offbeat, or wear a distinctive type of apparel such as a tie or hat — anything that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Next, devise a contest that's fun and that will generate conversation about your business. Blackwell made a name for himself by creating the "10 Worst Dressed List". You might want to check out Chase's Calendar of Events, a book of little known holidays and birthdays of famous people. This is a wonderful starting point for ideas. Then create your own holiday. It costs nothing and can increase your renown.
Coupons have become a powerful vehicle for all types of businesses. The key to a coupon is to make the offer easy to understand and a real value. Your goal should be to pay people or give them something for free in return for trying your business. Make sure that every coupon has a tight expiration date to create a sense of urgency.
Finally, run an ad in your local newspaper that profiles your best–known customer. It's like a celebrity endorsement. Frame two copies of the ad. Give one to the person that you have profiled (they tell the world) and put the other in your place of business or include it in your promotional kit.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but they are all proven as successful winners.
The best — and the most affordable — form of advertising is word of mouth. Give people something to talk about. It's important, especially when getting started, to push the envelope a little and do some things that are mildly outrageous. For instance, choose a business card that is different or offbeat, or wear a distinctive type of apparel such as a tie or hat — anything that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Next, devise a contest that's fun and that will generate conversation about your business. Blackwell made a name for himself by creating the "10 Worst Dressed List". You might want to check out Chase's Calendar of Events, a book of little known holidays and birthdays of famous people. This is a wonderful starting point for ideas. Then create your own holiday. It costs nothing and can increase your renown.
Coupons have become a powerful vehicle for all types of businesses. The key to a coupon is to make the offer easy to understand and a real value. Your goal should be to pay people or give them something for free in return for trying your business. Make sure that every coupon has a tight expiration date to create a sense of urgency.
Finally, run an ad in your local newspaper that profiles your best–known customer. It's like a celebrity endorsement. Frame two copies of the ad. Give one to the person that you have profiled (they tell the world) and put the other in your place of business or include it in your promotional kit.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but they are all proven as successful winners.
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