Finding ways to create free publicity can be a tedious task. Though technology has provided many different avenues to promote your business one of the most time-tested methods of publicity is simply word-of-mouth. During tough economic times word-of-mouth recommendations for your products and services may produce the same result as an advertisement with out the cost.
While word-of-mouth is a great start you can always do more. Structure a campaign around the attributes of your business to create a buzz that will bring commitment to your product or service amongst the people with in your community. To save money, try using existing products, knowledge and resources.
One way to set your business apart from competitors is by becoming a trusted advisor in the subject that you specialize in. Contest and fundraisers are another good way to drive people to your business. These are unique because if organized properly they encourage good habits and build buzz at the same time. Contests and fundraisers often expose your good service and products to people who least likely to do business with you otherwise.
Keeping up with your clients is easier then ever before. Blog software and online newsletter services make contacting your client more efficient and less expensive. Internet applications such as these have transformed word-of-mouth communication to the point where one click of the mouse can reach thousands of potential customers.
Businesses are turning to Facebook, YouTube, blogs etc. to post customer reviews, information on new products and how-to tips. Customers appreciate free advice and when they need a service that your business offers, they are more likely to remember the name of your business.
Written by t.davis
Category : Advertising &Blog &Business &Business Cards &low cost advertising &Newsletter
Running a small business can be a risky endeavor, but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to marketing. Taken from The Reach Group’s Free Agent Formula–created by Cheri Hanson, Lisa Johnson and Cassie Pruett–here are the top five mistakes made by entrepreneurs:
Creating a business that follows money instead of your strengths. Without a passion for your product or service, you’re already at a disadvantage. Says Hanson: “If you’re unhappy or out of sync with your natural strengths, you may be diluting your main marketing tool.”
Matching your competitors instead of differentiating and finding your niche. “In so many industries, all the competitors are bobbing in a sea of sameness,” Hanson correctly notes. “Get out of the dogfight by serving unmet needs.”
Working one revenue stream instead of creating multi-faceted revenue models. From Hanson’s perspective, this means operating like a larger company in which your entire income is not derived from the hours you work and the fee you charge.
Packaging products from your perspective, not that of your customers. Today’s savvy consumers tune out spin and interruption. They’re looking for something that adds tangible value to their lives, so focus on real solutions.
Waiting for established media to cover you instead of creating your own. “Publishing is the new PR,” says Hanson. “Whether you create articles, checklists, resource guides, blogs, podcasts, video clips or quizzes, there’s a content strategy to fit your communication style and business goals.”
The Po!nt: Identify the pitfalls before you begin, and your business will stand a much better chance of finding success.
Maintaining regular customers is more cost-effective than going after new ones. The 80/20 rule maintains that 80 percent of your business will come from repeat customers, so keeping those familiar faces coming back should be high on the list of priorities for any business.
But many businesses might take regular customers for granted and may not realize if some of those familiar faces aren’t frequenting their establishments as often. These tips will help you keep them coming back.
- Get feedback: Customers come to your business because you meet a need or solve a problem for them. As time goes by you need to determine whether you are still meeting those needs or solving their problems. The only way to effectively do this is by reaching out to regular customers through written surveys, questionnaires, telephone surveys, and your Web site. Ask specific questions about past experiences and clients’ current needs.
- Break the high-tech barriers: Voice mail, computerized phone calls, kiosks, and e-mail form letters do nothing to bring you closer to your customers. While technology has made it faster and easier than ever to communicate, it has also taken the human element out of business transactions. Customers have gone full circle and are once again seeking human beings when they have questions or problems that need to be solved. Being accessible, especially to regular customers who have established a relationship with your business, is very important.
- Create loyalty programs: Pay for nine car washes and you get one free. Many business owners have never thought about creating their own clever twist on such a simple loyalty concept. Customers like to be rewarded for their loyalty, whether it comes from paying for a one-year membership and getting three extra months for free or getting discounts in a frequent-buyer program. Make it a point to reward regular customers.
- Maintain a database and use it wisely: Reach out to your regular customers through e-mail. You can use software programs to periodically send messages to your regular customers. Even though it is a mass mailing, you can send something with a personal touch that captures your customers’ attention and meets their needs, which might coincide with a holiday or the change of seasons. Also, keep in mind that too many businesses send the same old reminders again and again. Therefore you should vary your means of contacting your regular customers.
If you have lost a steady customer to the competition or because of dissatisfaction with your service, you need to work a little harder to regain that person’s trust. Here are some tips for bringing back lost customers or clients.
- Offer an incentive for reopening the lines of communication: Give a discount for filling out a survey that could divulge why the customer is dissatisfied or went elsewhere. If you have a personal relationship with clients, there is such a thing as a free lunch: Make the offer and reopen the dialogue.
- Rebuild trust: Offer to resolve the problem and give them a guarantee. This time if they are dissatisfied with your product or service, or find a competitor that is charging less, you will immediately rectify the situation, whether you provide the service for free or beat a competitor’s price.
- Be accountable: Customers respect honesty and accountability. Therefore if you’ve made mistakes, failed to deliver on a promise, or mistreated a customer in any manner, you can simply and sincerely say that you are very sorry. Accountability and an apology can go a long way to rebuilding a relationship.
Whether you are trying to maintain your regular customers or looking to bring back those you have lost, it is always important to remember that flexibility and good customer service should be an inherent part of your plans.
Category : Advertising &Blog &Business &Websites
Make sure that you visit Google and check out the Local Business Center. Especially, If you are a business trying to attract customers in your local area. Google allow you to add your business to their directory which includes optional information like images and videos to help your listing stand out. As you may already know you can add information like opening hours, payment acceptance types, and additional details to help users refine their search in order to find your listing.
Google gives you the options to list your business website as your homepage, along with your business name, physical address, and phone numbers.
New features have been recently added to your Local Business Center, showing you analytics. You can now see detailed useful information about your search terms, your business location and what drove them to your site. Very similar to Google Analytics.
While your setting this up don’t forget to take a look at the Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide to learn how to help Google crawl and index your site for higher search engine ranking.
Category : Advertising &Blog &Branding &Marketing &Websites
Building good business credit is the key to financial health. Without it, you’ll have a hard time opening a trade account at a supplier like Office Depot or receiving a business credit card or traditional bank loan. But all that changes once you’ve established a solid credit rating. Get started now.
STEP 1: GET YOUR PERSONAL CREDIT IN ORDER
Without good personal credit, it is very difficult to establish good business credit. Why? Because until your business becomes established, lenders will look closely at your personal character and trustworthiness before extending credit to your new company. You need to think about getting your personal credit in tip-top condition even before starting your business.
Category : Blog &Business &Business Credit
Why is business credit so important? It’s the main way companies evaluate whether they want to do business with you – and on what terms. Companies rely on your creditworthiness to make critical decisions, including whether:
- to sell to you
- to lend you money
- to lease the equipment you need to grow your business
- to help you carry more inventory
- to give you favorable financing rates and terms
To qualify for business credit, you must first complete several basic steps. First, name your business and incorporate it. Most states have made incorporating simple enough that you can probably do it yourself.
Category : Blog &Business &Business Cards &Business Credit
