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Every start-up business goes through phases of needing to try
something different to increase their exposure and bring in new
clients. Even established businesses need to revisit their
marketing strategies every once in a while to help bring in new
and repeat business.
(article continued below ...)
During a recent business chat at Staffcentrix.com, in which I
was honoured to be the Mentor of The Month and chat moderator,
several Virtual Assistants (VAs) with varying experience in the
small business sector, shared their ideas and know-how.
The consensus among the chat participants is that certain
marketing techniques will work for some small business owners
but may not be as successful for others. It was also agreed that
the cheaper the method, the better.
Myself and all the other VAs found this chat very informative
and beneficial. So, with the hope of passing on the great ideas
that were bounced around, to up and coming VAs or any small
business owner, I have put together a list of the marketing
strategies that VAs have found successful, during their start-up
phase and beyond.
1.
A company website.
This is probably one of
the best and most cost effective forms of having your company
visible to your potential clients....and its available 24/7! If
you have the time and patience to learn to put something
together, give it a try! Or, consider hiring a professional
designer in order to get an exceptional site. The benefits of
having a website are definitely worth the expense. But remember
to shop around and be comfortable with your designer... and the
money you pay.
2.
Signs in or on your vehicle.
Window decals are fairly
inexpensive considering their lifespan. Remember to include your
website address. If funds are really short, make signs on
Bristol board and put them inside the windows. You can also get
Licence decals. These can include your website address, company
name, and phone number and fit nicely around your licence plate.
3.
Join your local business associations. And don’t
forget to get involved! Your local Board of Trade or Chamber of
Commerce can provide an abundance of opportunities for your
business. The networking events are a way to meet other business
professionals in your community. And, getting involved in the
committees allows you to share your expertise and be recognized
by your fellow members.
4. Pinup Flyers.
Include
a tear-off section on the bottom and put the flyers up at your
local stores and other locations that may have bulletin boards.
5. Fax Broadcast. Design
an informational or fun page, similar to a newsletter, and send
it out to fax numbers for your target market. Please note that
fax broadcasting is not allowed in some areas of some countries,
so be sure it is okay in your area.
6. Keep in touch marketing,
such as a personalized thank you to a new client or contact, a
Christmas card that simply says thank you, and a monthly
newsletter (print and/or online) to all your customers and
contacts.
7. Iron on transfers. As
a small business owner you already eat and sleep your business,
so why not wear it too. You can purchase the transfers at your
local business supply store and, I imagine, at craft stores.
Then it’s just a matter printing your logo (or whatever you
want on the shirt) onto a transfer and ironing it on.
8. Articles & Press Releases.
Writing articles is a good way to receive exposure and it also
helps you to be regarded as an expert in your field. Press
releases can be used to announce a new business, when you
provide a new service, or any other time you have some news to
tell. There are 2 keys to a press release... the Headline and
making sure it doesn’t sound like an advertisement, but more
like it is news.
9. Networking. This is
another highly beneficial and cost efficient way to get the word
out about your business. Attend designated networking events as
often as possible. Also, when possible, follow the Three Foot
Rule... if appropriate, strike up a conversation with anyone
within 3 feet of yourself and be sure to bring up your business.
10. Testimonials. These
can be implemented into many pieces of marketing. Include a
sentence or two in your advertisements, brochures, newsletters,
and you can even dedicate a whole page on your website to the
kudos your receive from satisfied clients.
No matter which marketing efforts you use, keep track of
where your inquiries and new clients are coming from. Don’t be
afraid to ask them how they heard about you and/or your
business. Asking only takes a couple of seconds and the results
will show you which strategy is working for you the best.
Put your imagination to work... instead of your wallet and
watch the business roll in.
About the Author:
Janice Byer is the
owner of Docu-Type Administrative Services and specializes in
providing services to help clients get ahead in the marketing
game. From Website development, to designing marketing material,
to word processing, their mission is to help small business be
successful and stay successful. Visit their website today at http://www.docutype.net
or contact them at 905-584-1746.
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