51. Create A Customer Care Line
People like to be able to vent their frustration or suggest improvements for a business. There is no need to man the line with an employee, but have a good messaging service attached so that you can listen to the calls and get back to those who require it. The promise of a customer care line will often be enough of a novelty to see the business coming your way.
52. Go Back To School
Scholars and schools will often be interested to have businesses and business people come in to offer a talk, and while you are plugging your products or services to the next generation of consumers you will be making provisions for the future with this free initiative to improve your marketing.
53. Begin A Loyalty Programme
Nothing interests customers quite like a card attached to a points system which leads to special offers, gifts and discounts if used religiously. A loyalty programme may be a low-cost marketing idea which will benefit your business to a great extent.
54. Use YouTube To Show Your Customers The Way
If a few videos displaying the merits of your products or services would go a long way to selling them to potential customers, why not start a free YouTube channel and make videos to promote your business. Through cross promotion your videos could be displayed on your Facebook page, while your LinkedIn Profile would have links to the videos and your website would have downloadable files so that your videos truly do the rounds.
55. Get A Mini-Makeover
Change a product catalogue, add another room to your business premises or add more pages to your website. Show customers both potential and current that your business is transforming, improving and growing in a tangible way.
56. Step Into Your Customer’s Shoes
One day a month you should put yourself into your customer’s shoes and consider what you believe your business could do to improve its service or product offering, as well as the interactions with the customer.
57. Throw In A Freebie
Do you want a customer to agree to buy a product or use a service? Then throw in something for free. Giving customers additional products or service for free when they purchase initially can be a smart way to attract business in the first place.
58. Do It Yourself
Don’t pay hefty consultancy fees or professional bills for jobs that you can do yourself. Write press releases for your own company rather than hiring a PR person. Add product catalogues to your own website rather than paying a professional to do so. When you understand how to do something and you do not need to hire professionals you will save money doing things yourself.
59. Develop A Slogan
Some products sell better when they have a catchy slogan or phrase that will become associated with the product or business in time. Developing a good slogan for your business may be a smart low-cost way to improve your company’s marketability.
60. Pay Suppliers On Time
Pay your vendors, suppliers and consultants on time. You’ll save money by taking advantage of discounts and avoiding late charges when you pay invoices on time. You will also gain goodwill that can result in referrals, improved service and better prices on future projects.
