Growing companies face the issue of marketing their products or services. It is possible to use marketing consultants to do this, but marketing consultants often cost too much money for small companies. An affordable option is to try the following low cost marketing ideas to promote the business.
1.Press Releases – Make press releases that are newsworthy and draw the attention of the readers. The releases should be short and to the point with an opening sentence or phrase that is convincing and holds the attention of the reader.
2.Search Engine Marketing – Having a Website and using the services of a search engine is a necessity in today’s environment where greater numbers of people are accessing the Internet for their requirements. The website host must be reliable so that prospective customers can access the site without difficulty. The website’s design should be imaginative to the draw attention of viewers. Websites are an inexpensive method for accessing greater numbers of people. The website should have the company’s contact details, including the business phone number and email address. Advertise in newsgroups that are in a similar line of business so that the site is easily accessed.
3.Trade Shows – Rent space at trade shows and hand out promotional material to clients. Keep a feedback or order address registry for clients. After the show, contact them, keeping the promises made at the booth.
4.Direct Marketing – Create a finely tuned list of targeted recipients and directly mail the explanatory material to them.
5.Yellow Pages – Make an ad stand out in the yellow pages with an attractive design and listing under a specific, targeted head.
6.Public Service – Promote the company in a positive manner in the community by sponsoring events, donating products to local charities and holding events with local schools or other groups. Distribute promotional t-shirts, pens, or mugs with the company’s name emblazoned on it.
7.Business Card and Network Groups – Keep professional and well-designed business cards handy. Join a networking group for support and business leads.
Implementing Low Cost Marketing Ideas
Use knowledge, skills, systems and tools to create a low cost marketing strategy for new businesses to attract customers on shoestring budgets.
Knowledge: Read books on marketing knowledge and buy a couple of marketing manuals from web marketing masters. Learn marketing strategy from consultants or pay a marketing expert to market your business.
Skills: Develop the three important marketing skills.
Ask straightforward questions to learn of the clients’ needs and problems.
Listen carefully and provide a problem-solving approach.
Write a compelling copy of marketing materials to attract customers. Demonstrate practical ideas and understand the working of the product.
Systems: Define responsibilities, schedule marketing activities, and use computers to automate tasks and hire people for clerical activities. Focus time and attention on the clients to deliver products or services in a stipulated period. Manage contacts to add to the database. Send information to prospective clients and respond to each query to handle clients respectfully.
Tools: Below are the basic tools needed to target a market.
Communication tools like phone, email, and web sites.
Information for clients about the business, like written proposals, brochures or pamphlets.
Things displaying the company name, logo and contact information like business cards.
Additional Help
There are software packages available to help owners market themselves to consumers. Many of these software packages are constructed with the small business owner in mind and contain invaluable and affordable tools.
David Gass is President of Business Credit Services, Inc. His company publishes a free weekly e-newsletter on Small Business Consulting at their web site smallbusinessconsultingdotcom