Marketing on a Budget
Necessity is The Mother of Invention... When Cash is Low
Think of a Better Way
If You're marketing on a budget, implementing the right strategies is a critical issue.There’s an abundance of options for marketing techniques and tactics, but certainly some if not many, may not be a good choice for your business. Many marketing methods are very costly. While it's a generally accepted the more you spend on marketing the greater the results, one could well go 'belly up' before the marketing has time to take effect. The following are some smart ways to promote your business whilst marketing on a budget.
Company Documents.
One way to market your business without spending a lot of money is to use all of your correspondence and electronic documents to promote your business.Have all your company address and contact information printed on all your business stationery and mailing envelopes. Add your Web site and tagline (USP) if you have either or both of these. The above information can also be added to any faxes, payments, and receipts your business sends out. Use email signatures that include all of your business’s pertinent contact information as well as your web address & business tagline. C'mon... think man.
Then There's Old Faithful.
One of the most common items that you can use if you’re marketing on a budget is the good old business card.Dovote extra time designing your
business cards
so people are attracted to them and actually want to red them. A simple, catchy USP on a business card can grab the reader’s interest. Business cards can be printed on both sides, so make sure you utilize all the available real estate for communicating meaningful information. They are relatively inexpensive and can be displayed in strategic locations, handed out to all & sundry and included in mailings.
The Intangible.
Here’s one you may not have thought of in your marketing budget.An excellent marketing tool that can be used every day is outstanding customer service. Go for the WOW factor every time. Customers and prospective customers will long remember being treated with respect and will likely continue their business with your company and also refer others to you. Make it your business culture to OVER DELIVER on every single occasion. Everyone in your business that comes in contact with customers needs to be carefully selected & well suited for the position. Strive to give consistently better service… attitude goes a long way in winning, and losing customers. Used correctly, customer service is a terrific tool for marketing on a budget.
Be a Toastmaster.
Seminars are a good way to reach diverse groups of people.There are many hotels, conference centers, etc catering for seminars, offering a large variety of meeting areas. If you are new to seminars and feel uncomfortable giving presentations, limit the number of participants to a size you feel comfortable working with. To improve your presentation skills, consider joining a local Toastmasters group. Think about
forming strategic alliances
with non competing businesses to share the costs. Use seminars or workshops to teach your existing and potential customers about your products and services. Make sure you allow ample time during the seminar for audience participation, comments, and questions and to 'work the crowd' after the show. You can learn valuable information about your potential customers by listening to their opinions and questions about the products and services you present. Supply all participants with handouts, flyers, and special discount coupons along with your business card. If you make an effort and put some thought into it, marketing on a budget is not all that difficult.
Modern Net-Wit:
"They laughed when I said I was going to be a comedian... they're not laughing now" .........................................................................Bob Monkhouse
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