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renbertos

Sales MOMS Junior Member

Posts: 5
Gender: female

MARKETING A SMALL BUSINESS ON A DIME
Feb 6^th, 2010, 2:45pm

Marketing your small business on a dime is possible through creativity and consistent strategy.
Marketing is important for the success of any business, big or small, and many companies struggle to find the perfect marketing formula. It is important to develop a plan that consistently markets your business; that is how a business earns more customers and gains more sales. Contrary to popular belief, marketing for a small business doesn't have to be a costly endeavor. A powerful marketing strategy can be developed on a tight budget to increase your visibility to clients.

Business card magnets are still one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to promote any business. Ideally, the cards should be attractive and contain all of your company’s important information. Business cards can be even more effective if you offer a discount right on the card. Make a habit of carrying them with you at all times, especially when attending social gatherings. You never know when you might meet someone who is in desperate need of the product or service your business offers!

An online presence is a critical part of any marketing strategy, so you should create a web site for your company if you haven't done so already. However, the days of putting up a web site and waiting for the sales to come are long gone. Thousands of web sites compete for the same traffic, so any business web site needs to stand out in some way. Avoid creating a web site that acts like an ad, because that's a big turn off for many online users who are searching for information. Try creating a web site with an editorial feel; for example, if your business sells hair products, then the web site could contain an interesting editorial headline like "Five Tips for Increasing Volume" so that it doesn't seem like a sales pitch.

Capture email addresses via the company’s web site by using a contact form that users must fill out in order to contact the business. This is an inexpensive way of developing a leads list for following up and sharing information about any specials being offered!

Did you know that ninety-five percent of visitors to a company’s web site will come and go without taking any action? It's important to offer people something in exchange for their email information. A free piece of information like a newsletter, a report, or an e-book will make them more likely to share their contact information with you.

Also, be sure to utilize your email signature. This is an often overlooked marketing technique that doesn't cost a dime. Make sure to include your complete information in your signature, including your company name, your contact information, and your company's web site address. If you wish, you can even include links to free downloads, products for sale, the company’s blog, or social networking sites.

Start blogging to provide prospects with important information related to the business. What makes a blog such an effective marketing tool for a small business is that it establishes the business as an expert resource in the chosen industry. Provide prospects with important information that is useful whether or not they do business with you, and they will appreciate it and develop trust. Podcasts and videos are also great additions. Blogs can establish a community of loyal readers that will provide you with valuable feedback and possibly help you improve the products and the services you provide to them. Please visit my face book blog at http://tiny.cc/MyMarketingGirl
With a little creativity, you can grow your business and save money at the same time!

Renee Smith is an account executive for MyCardGuy.com a brand of Extreme marketing. Renee has coached many direct sales people in developing a successful business. [font=Arial][/font]

Renee Smith
Account Executive
MyCardGuy.com
Facebook group: My Marketing Girl
rsmith@mycardguy.com
800-385-0445 ext 108

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