Low-cost marketing tips

Small businesses often neglect their marketing and wonder why they aren't getting new customers when they use the same marketing strategy. Marketing is a continuous process that must be given daily attention in order to become successful. If you need some help with your marketing, here are some easy low-cost marketing tips to follow:

Tip # 1 - Start with your current customers
One of the best ways to market is to contact your existing customers. Look for ways to make them feel special and important. A simple thank-you note can go a long way for a small business and it may drive your customers to continue coming back because they know they are valued. Try to give your customers something they will keep. Instead of business cards, use magnets. Magnets have some value and most people won't toss them. Plus, it will be easier to find your number or web site because it is on their fridge. Another way to show your customers you appreciate them is to include a small gift with their purchase. A small notepad or pen will be used by your customers and they will think of you every time they see it.

Tip # 2 - Evaluate your customers
An easy marketing tip is to make sure you are targeting all the right customers. How often do you find yourself wasting time on customers that only spend a dollar or two? Do you give this same attention to the customers that spend 50 dollars or more? Although the small sales will help you hit your break-even costs, you need to search for the customers that will actually boost your sales.

Tip # 3 - Online Marketing
If you have only been using direct mail pieces and newspaper ads to reach your customers; its time to switch to email lists and online marketing. Pay-per-click marketing is relatively cheap, especially if you don't have a lot of competition. Start generating an electronic mailing list and send it out weekly or monthly. E-newsletters provide a cost-effective way to market to your customers. If you use e-newsletters to target your customers, make sure they are professional and provide some sort of value to the customer. Some customers like to receive e-newsletters that talk about the current events within your company while other customers want to receive offers for discounts on their next purchase.

Tip # 4 - Get public
One of the best ways to start marketing is to gain public attention. Attend trade shows and pass out your flyer. Most trade shows have a display table for any company to put one flyer on for free. You can make some nice postcards to send out to all your customers or even insert them with their purchase. Contact your local high schools and colleges and start advertising with them. You can do this by selling your product as a fundraiser for the school or by offering to advertise for the school play or football games. Don't forget to target your local media to gain some public attention. If you have a feel-good story, the media will want to hear about it because it can provide them with a great story for the Sunday paper.

Tip # 5 - Make it enjoyable
Have you ever gone to a store and felt instantly comfortable because of the way it was arranged? Some stores like Fred Meyer offer daycare services for parents while they shop. Other stores have coffee bars and cafeterias inside to make the customer more comfortable. While this will not only make the customer comfortable, it will encourage them to spend more time in your store and inevitably spend more money.