A comparison of various promotional techniques for your small business

You've already jumped through all the hoops and done all the busywork associated with starting a small business - getting licensing and filling out tax paperwork, getting funding, finding a place to run your business, and hiring employees. Now comes the fun part: promoting your business.

Promotion is crucial because without it, no one knows what services or products you provide. There are a wide range of promotional techniques you can use for your small business, and it can be difficult deciding which to use.

The following is a comparison of various promotional techniques for your small business.

Press releases
All small business owners should perfect the art of writing a press release. Press releases are a great promotional tool for a number of reasons. For one thing, they're completely free - you simply write one and send it to your local publications or news rooms. Another reason they are good promotional tools is because they reach a wide audience.

You can write a press release for a number of different things, such as the opening of a new store, the introduction of a new product, your grand opening, or participation in a charity event. Call your local newspapers and ask who to direct your press releases to, and then make sure you write a well-written, error-free release.

The downsides of press releases are they are not always going to be published.

Flyers or mailers
You have probably received mailers mixed in with your bills and catalogs promoting a new business or have found a flyer stuck under your windshield wiper at some point. If you're like most people, you probably glance at them and throw them away. For this reason, flyers or mailers aren't necessarily good promotional materials and are typically a waste of money.

If you do decide to use a flyer or mailer, don't just place them randomly. Do your market research so you can send them to people who are specifically looking for the services or products you provide. Make sure they are designed well and not loaded with text - a sentence or two and contact information should suffice.

Freebies
This is an excellent form of promotional tool that all businesses, both small and large, use on a daily basis. Two for one deals, 50% off your next service, or a free trial run are common promotional techniques that can encourage your potential customers to utilize your services or buy your products.

The most difficult part of this type of promotional technique is advertising the deals. You can advertise your specials in a number of ways, including flyers in your business, postcards, signs, and so forth. If you have the budget, the radio is a good place for advertising as well.

Charity fundraisers
This is a great way to drum up business, get your name out, and help a worthy cause at the same time. Often, businesses will get together or host a charity fundraiser, which can take the form of a run or walk, a food collection, a street fair, and so forth.

This is a great promotional technique since you will most likely be getting free publicity for your event as well. Make sure you advertise, send out press releases, and call local news stations to cover your event. Pass out information about your company to those who attend.

There are many promotional techniques that can help your small business.

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