Thursday, 1 March 2012

There's More To Publicity Than Buying Ad Space!

By Cliff Schubert


Starting a small enterprise can be exciting for the first-time entrepreneur, just venturing into the world of self-employment. Whatever the industry will be, it is always exciting to embark on a new project, particularly one with a lot of potential.

If you look at the basics, two important things that are required to make a business successful are good product and successful marketing ideas. We will now talk about some effective small business marketing ideas because a new venture with its limited resources can never compete with big business houses with large resources.

Here are some small business marketing ideas that you can try for your venture

Offering discounts always helps. Although this may reduce the profit margin a little, you can always depend on better sales. Such discounts can either be offered to the first batch of customers or to those who buy in bulk. There are also seasonal promotions that offer discounts during a specific period. Then again, instead of offering money off, you can offer free gifts or even free pieces if your customer makes purchases above certain amount.

Going for membership drive is another way to garner exposure at reasonable cost. You can offer special discounts to your members and buy their loyalty. Moreover, such a drive will help you to create an accurate data base, which in turn will help you send literatures and update as is necessary.

Rewards programme. If you are not convinced a loyalty programme would work for you, then opting for a rewards programme may be better. You can make this work by rewarding regulars, early registrants and in general, good customers. This helps to make them feel appreciated and gives them a goal to work towards. It also helps in ensuring they are loyal to your place of business. As far as getting a database is concerned, although it is more an estimate than an accurate figure, you would at least be able to have a record of some kind to refer to in future.

Below-the-line collateral. If advertising is what you believe in but cannot afford, then consider below-the-line marketing collateral such as banners, buntings and flyers. These are much cheaper than conventional advertising through TV or newspapers and with a little bit of hard legwork, can reach a huge part of the market too.

Contra deals are also comparatively cheaper yet equally efficient way of marketing your business. Under this plan, you can sponsor prizes in the form of your products or services in exchange for a spot on the TV or radio program.

Starting to write columns on allied subject or taking up similar activities is a very efficient small business marketing idea. However, it requires you make very subtle approach to the area of your interest. If for example you run a fast food centre and need some exposure, never mention that in your article, but add the name and address of your establishment at the bottom. You should instead talk about food in general, mentioning a few off beat but easy-to- prepare recipes to make the reading more interesting.




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