1. Leaflets and Flyers
This one is easy - all you need is your computer, printer and a bit of time!
From the creation of the leaflet to actually distributing them, you can do this every step of the way, targeting exactly who you want, how you want. The most important thing to remember when putting a leaflet together is to make sure that you include a solution to a problem your customers might be experiencing by highlighting the benefits of your products and services.
Save on distribution costs by including them in orders that are already being sent to your customers or by delivering them to local homes and businesses yourself.
Don't forget to follow them up by contacting your customers directly - this will give you the opportunity to hear vital feedback and reiterate your message at the same time.
2. Press Releases
There's always something new happening in your business - let everyone know!
Whatever is happening in your business it'll be of interest either within your industry, locally to you or the business world in general. The topics of your press releases could range from talking about charity events you are involved in to moving to new premises. Don't be shy - blow your own trumpet!
Adding a new product or service to your business is of interest within your industry and to the general public, so you could submit this kind of story to a few different places. Try trade magazines, local press, local business publications and the business sections of national newspapers. You could even send out a press release about how business has quadrupled since you implimented these marketing activities! **
In terms of free marketing you can't get much better than article directories...
Article directories are web based directories where you can submit a written article about any topic you like and, if approved, can become a very powerful tool for things like link building to your website, getting your website or blog listed on Google's natural listings and simply getting your brand known.
By writing useful articles people will get to know your company name and will also see you as an expert in your field.
4. Attracting Passing Trade
Getting people through your door...
By 'setting out your stall' using A Boards, banners and posters you can reach a vast amount of prospective customers who may pass by you every day, but may not yet know exactly what you do.
These products can be placed on, in and around your business premises and can be easily changed and updated if needs be. You might also like to combine your poster display with the opportunity to distribute your leaflets at the same time, using a display system which incorporates a leaflet holder too.
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best - tying some helium balloons to your pavement sign could make you even more noticeable to passers by.
5. Advertising On The Move
By branding your company vehicle (or even your family car!) you can be advertising your business 24 hours a day whether parked up or on the move. According to a recent survey vehicle advertising is seen on average by 3000 people per hour which equates to 16 million advertising opportunities per year.
You don't need to go for a full wrap - partial wraps, contour cut lettering or magnetic signs can be just as successful.
Brand your workwear
Having parked up, imagine the impact you'd create by stepping out wearing a fully branded shirt, polo shirt or overall. By branding your workwear you can turn yourself into a walking advert.
6. Email Marketing
Ways of collecting your customers and prospects email addresses:
Add an enquiry form to your website
Add a field for email address on your order form
Copy them from business cards you are given by customers and prospects
Buy data (fully cleansed & opted-in data)
Every time you have an offer, a new product or a bit of news why not let your customers know easily and cheaply by sending them a quick email. You can do this through your standard email application that you may be using or, if you are sending to hundreds or thousands of email addresses it may be useful to invest in an email marketing application.
There are some very reasonable packages available that are easy to set up - it is just a case of finding the best one for you. You could start looking by searching for 'email marketing software' in your internet search engine. You'll also find some really good hints and tips from some of the email marketing software companies.
7. Networking
Never underestimate the power of networking, whether it be face to face or via the internet using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or some other business networking website (there are plenty out there!).
Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to have your message passed on as it also comes with a little 'unofficial' recommendation. People are more likely to remember you if they have spoken to you face to face.
Networking events may seem a little daunting, but they are usually quite informal and if you get into the swing of it you'll soon be reaping the benefits. Some even offer the opportunity of a speaking slot, where you could get the chance to speak to the whole room.
8. Using Your Chamber of Commerce
Although there may be an annual membership fee for your local Chamber of Commerce, the benefits can be vast. For example, my local Chamber is currently providing opportunities for free exhibition space at a networking event.
Chances like this are invaluable to your business and could open doors to developing business partnerships and promoting yourself. In addition to events like this, your local Chamber is also a great source of business information about training, funding and support. Find your local Chamber here...
9. Collect Testimonials
It's great to get endorsements from your customers, as they can be used in all of your marketing activities such as leaflets, emails, adverts and website. You can blow your own trumpet until you're blue in the face, but your competitors will be doing exactly the same thing, so anything that sets you apart from the rest can only be a bonus.
A testimonial is the best advert you could have, as it has the 'word of mouth' element to it. Approach your best customers for testimonials - you could even offer them a small incentive such as a percentage off or free delivery on their next order.
10. Blog
You don't need to have a website to have an online presence these days - a blog can do the job just as well and it is free and totally editable by you. Some popular blogging sites are Blogger, Wordpress and TypePad.
This activity is all about investing time rather than spending money and, if planned well, it could become a great source of business for you and an interesting and informative place which your customers and prospective customers will visit time and again.
The traditional use for a blog is to treat it like an online diary - you could use it for publishing your press releases yourself on your blog.
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