11. Make Use Of Discount Vouchers
The use of discount vouchers where customers are able to get a saving on a product they need is a smart low-cost marketing idea to bring in more business, because it makes sense for consumers to use the saving, and as long as you are still making a profit it will drive sales your way.
12. Create A Pamphlet
A website is great, but it will only be found if people are specifically looking for it or using search engines to find your service/product. Another cost effective marketing tool that will appeal to older generations who are still unfamiliar with the web is the use of pamphlets or brochures to detail the use, price and specials involved with your product. One could be made professionally, or software like Microsoft Office Publisher could be used to make your own low-cost business pamphlets.
13. Place Business Cards Wisely
Having business cards is a great way for customers to get in contact with you and find your product, but it will only be a good use of money if the business card goes to someone who will use it. That is why handing them out at an intersection or simply dropping them in mailboxes is not always the best way to make use of them. Rather target sales in a smart way by leaving your business cards at a place that makes sense, like at a gym if you sell sports nutrition, or at a doctor’s office if you deal in pharmaceutical supplies.
14. Keep An Eye Out For Opportunity
Sometimes an opportunity may be under your nose and you are missing it. If a radio show has a weekly programme where small businesses are encouraged to phone in and promote their business to listeners for free, make use of that economical opportunity. If a tradeshow provides free business card facilities to new businesses make sure you take advantage. Look out for opportunity.
15. Use Internet Forums
Search the Internet and make a list of forums regarding your product or service that you check and contribute to on a regular basis. The forums will be used by people with an interest in what you sell and by having a presence there you can communicate with potential customers, driving sales and learning about their needs.
16. Follow Up With Customers
A friendly call to make sure your customers were happy with your product or service will go a long way to improving your reputation with them and driving future return business.
17. Use A Personal Touch
Wherever possible, use a personal touch in your business, making customers feel as though they are special and you are putting extra effort into giving them a personal service because your business cares. A personal touch is often missing in modern business culture, with big corporate companies commercialising every process, but a personal touch can go a long way to making sure your company stands out.
18. Partner With Like-Minded Businesses
It is smart and cost-effective to partner with similar but not competing businesses in terms of marketing to ensure good exposure for both entities while learning from each other in the process. Split a one page magazine advert with a complimentary company or advertise each other’s products to show a respect and business partnership is at play and you will both benefit.
19. Treat The Competition With Respect
Your reputation is about more than just how well you sell the product or service you are dealing with. Your treatment and interactions with your competition may mean very little to you, but it costs nothing to be respectful to fellow companies, and if they develop a respect for your way of dealing with them you can be sure they will speak highly of you to potential customers and suppliers when asked for their opinion.
20. Promotional Clothing
Wear your name on your sleeve. Promotional clothing can be a smart and subtle way to market your business for very little capital outlay. Make T-shirts with your company logo on it for staff, or jackets for sales representatives to use when travelling. Your company’s name and logo will do the rounds and the clothing can make your business look even more professional.
