Ten Top Tips For Marketing
Marketing is an essential part of running any business. If you don’t market, then your possible customers do not know that you are there. Below are ten tips for successful marketing
1. If you have a website remember to let your customers know: print it on your email, letterhead, business card, invoice and any adverts
2. Use professional print wherever possible: it will create a professional image
3. When writing articles and leaflets remember to ask colleagues to proof read: they may pick up on mistakes you have missed
4. If writing a press release, call the publication in advance and ask the editor for advice
5. Keep copies of letters and flyers that you have opened: ask your self why? What can you learn from these pieces?
6. When advertising remember the simpler and clearer the message, the more effective it is
7. If attending a fair, market or exhibition put the stand up at home first to see in advance how it will appear to your potential customers
8. Think about signage, remember removable signage e.g. magnetic and path signage
9. To ensure good customer service try to use open questions to find out what people like and what went wrong
10. You are your packaging: pay attention to your body language!
Literature and Leaflets Opportunity to give out more information Chance to answer frequently asked questions Can be displayed and mailed Puts across the main benefits of your products and services Answers the “What`s in it for me?” question
Press Releases
A piece of editorial can have greater credibility than an advert
You are engaging with the reader directly
It is newsworthy and therefore interesting
It is good news & community news
It`s free!
Letters of Introduction
You are explaining to the reader what your offer “Does for him/her
If you use a name it is personal
It can look professional
If it is relevant…it is very, very cost effective
Design and Logo
People remember imagery and colours more easily than text
It helps you stand out from your competitors
It enables a professional image
Makes your materials easily recognisable
Saves costs in terms of time and materials e.g. colour consistency
Advertising
It is one way to reach a large audience
The information you place can be kept
It can add humour and personality
If it is a relevant publication is it very cost effective
cost effective
The impact can be easy to measure
Exhibitions, Fairs and Markets
Gives you a shop front
Allows creativity and props!
Great to research a product range and/or an area
Potential customers are in a shopping mood
Enables face-to-face relationships
You can create a good atmosphere
Signage
Visible impact
Uses colour and imagery
Can match your other marketing materials
Can help people notice you and find you
Can be used for special messages and promotions
Web Sites
You are open 24 hours a day
Someone may not be able to visit you
People like to browse at their leisure
It gives you credibility as an “up to date professional business”
It allows people to buy online or prepare to buy later!
Customer Service
Because it costs 5-7 times more to obtain a new customer
67% of customers go elsewhere because no-one has kept in touch
We all like someone who listens to us
It builds a relationship
It will give you a sustainable competitive advantage
Bad news travels …. we love to moan!
You !
You are your packaging
You know that people buy from people they like
You have the product knowledge your customer needs
You know your customer likes and dislikes
You can help your customer make the right choice so he/she will come back