More Cheap Tricks for Promoting Your Business

In a recent article, I shared five of my top 10 favorite tricks for promoting your business without spending much (or any) money. Several readers wrote and said they enjoyed the first five tips, so I'm hoping the next five will be just as helpful.

There's nothing like getting valuable exposure and new clients for your business without spending a dime (or perhaps spending just a few). Here are five more of my favorite tips for doing just that.

1. Submit an article to a business magazine or newsletter. Chances are there are lots of publications out there that are geared to your target audience. For instance, I receive numerous publications about marketing, communications, and running a business. These types of business publications are almost always looking for articles and information that will be valuable to their readers. And most of them welcome articles that are submitted by experts in the field (i.e., people like you). If you're not already, familiarize yourself with the publications that your target audience reads, such as those published by trade associations or your local business newspaper (many are found at www.bizjournals.com). Then start pitching articles - not only will you get exposure in front of those who read the publication, but you can send copies of your article to clients and prospects. (For specific tips about how to write publishable business articles, see the August 2004 issue of my newsletter, "Marketing Tips from The WriteShop." It's available at www.writeshoponline.com/newsletter_writeshop.shtml.)

2. Advertise in local, low-cost venues. If your business is local or focused in a specific community, don't waste your time and money with advertising that reaches audiences much larger than your target. For instance, advertising in a large metropolitan newspaper is unnecessary if your target audience is actually located in two or three suburbs of the metropolis. Instead, consider low-cost advertising venues, such as high school football programs, alternative newspapers or community newsletters. They'll be more tailored to your target audience and will be much easier on your budget.

3. Keep in touch with customers via e-mail. Convenient, easy and virtually fr*e, e-mail offers powerful marketing opportunities. If you don't already, start collecting customers' e-mail addresses (with their permission, of course). Sending e-mails too frequently can annoy your customers and be counterproductive, so don't take advantage of the medium - but using it wisely can be an effective, inexpensive way to keep in touch. Clients will usually be glad to hear from you, especially if you're using e-mail to send information that is valuable to them, such as announcements of special events, discount offers, helpful newsletters, or articles that interest them.

4. Network, network, network. We've all heard that it's not what you know that matters; it's who you know. Simply getting to know people is possibly the least expensive and most valuable activity you can undertake to help promote your business. If your business is local, attend networking events in your community, many of which are cheap or even fr*e. (Check your newspaper's business section for listings.) And don't be stingy with your network - when you have two acquaintances who could do business together, introduce them to each other. When you share your contacts, you simply broaden your network and others will be more likely to introduce their own contacts to you.

5. Ask for referrals. We all love to get referrals, because they often bring business - or at least interested prospects - with little, if any, effort from us. But referrals are few and far between if you simply wait around for them. Instead, those who really want to succeed in building word-of-mouth business must develop a referral system. When you've pleased a client, don't be afraid to ask for referrals. You'll get more success if you explain clearly what type of clients you're looking for. And when clients refer you to their friends or contacts, be sure to thank them appropriately. For instance, one of my clients, a carpet cleaning company, asks every customer to refer their friends and neighbors. When those friends turn out to be clients, the company sends the referrer a coupon, which is redeemable for cleaning services or cash. That way, everybody wins - the new customer, the old customer, and of course, the carpet cleaning company.

Copyright 2004 Nancy Jackson

About The Author

Nancy Jackson of The WriteShop helps companies better market their products and services with powerful communications including newsletters, articles, Web content, brochures and custom publications. Subscribe to her free monthly newsletter at www.writeshoponline.com or e-mail info@writeshoponline.com for a free quote for marketing communications services.

---

How To Create A Better Brochure

Having a quality brochure makes a positive impression on a... Read More

Do You Really Need a Brochure?

Traditional brochures typically tell the story of your company, i.e.... Read More

How To Write More Powerful Brochures, Leaflets, And Catalogues

Probably the most interesting thing about brochures and leaflets is... Read More

Online vs. Offline Advertising

Let's face it. Email marketing and publishing have became very... Read More

Too Much Build-Up: Over-Zealous Ad Copy Can Break The Sale

How many times has this happened to you?A friend recommends... Read More

Three Keys to Crafting Successful Print Ads

Want to create print ads that get results? Below are... Read More

Change, or Reinforce?

Do you know about the distinction - and it's a... Read More

Why Radio Advertising Could Be The Best Thing You Ever Did For Your Business

In the marketing world, radio has earned the reputation of... Read More

Why Not Use the Humble Fax in Your Advertising Strategy?

When my daughter complained recently about the prohibitive cost of... Read More

Electronic Display Boards

Electronic display boards signify high priority messaging, allowing you to... Read More

How Do People Know Youre in Business?

One of the most important things to do now that... Read More

Advertising Agency In Boston: Tips and Tricks

The big news on Wall Street last year was the... Read More

Custom T-shirts -- Put Your Company Logo on Cotton!

An effective way to gain company recognition is to order... Read More

The Man With The Grasshopper Mind

The title of this article also happens to be one... Read More

Wheres Me Pot of Gold and Lucky Charms?

We already know this from our history books. If you... Read More

What Happened? Troubleshooting Poor Response from Ad Campaigns

Too many small business owners today run ad campaigns that... Read More

Radio Interview 101

Different Types of Station ContactReaching radio hosts (for the purpose... Read More

Placemat Ad Advertising

Starting a placemat ad business can create more business for... Read More

How To Make A Fortune With FREE Advertising!

How To Gain FREE Advertising That Will Make You Rich!Okay-Just... Read More

Double the Effectiveness of Your Company Brochure

Let's face it - most brochures go straight into the... Read More

Choosing a Print Mail Dealer

"Print & Mail is a type of service that... Read More

100 Excellent Words and 70 Action Getting Phrases for Ad Writing

100 Excellent Words Absolutely. Amazing. Approved. Attractive. Authentic. Bargain.... Read More

Which is Better Digital or Offset Printing?

As technology continues to improve, the quality of digital prints... Read More

The Forgotten Advertising Tip

I'm sure while you have seen many tips on advertising,... Read More

How to Create Ads that Sell with Little Effort

One of the main problems people find with marketing, is... Read More

Media Savvy - Treat Them As You Would Your Best Customer

The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills... Read More

Marketing Tips For Small Business ? Advertising That Works, Part I

Have you ever seen an ad on television that was... Read More

What Does the Back of Your Business Card Say?

Business cards with nothing on the back are wasted opportunities... Read More

Hit Them With Benefits

More about advertising from BIG Mike McDanielIt makes no difference... Read More

Reach vs. Frequency: Touch 100 Once or 25 Four Times?

Reach and frequency are terms generally used when planning advertising... Read More

Tips On Writing a Successful Ad

When knowledge is based on truth it is powerful!When it... Read More

Measure the Response of Your Advertising Campaigns by Using Promotional Products

For most companies, gone are the days of spending money... Read More

Five Characteristics of Highly Successful Advertising

Have you ever spent a small fortune on advertising that... Read More