Business Printers » marketing tips

Marketing tip – create a sense of urgency

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:33:36 +0000

Procrastination is a small business owner’s worst enemy. With limited time and resources, you can’t afford to put things off. You don’t like it any better when your customers procrastinate either. Procrastination is a big problem when it comes to making a sale. Sometimes it is necessary to create a sense of urgency or create a deadline. You may want to explain that the free T-shirt with purchase is only while supplies last or that a special sale is for the holiday weekend only. Keep deadlines in mind when creating your flyers, brochures, and postcards.

Utilize local bulletin boards

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:07:21 +0000

It may seem old-fashioned, but one of the best ways to market your small business is to utilize local bulletin boards. Whether they’re in a coffee shop, library, grocery store, or anything, huge amounts of people in your community check bulletin boards every day. Posting on local bulletin boards is an inexpensive and effective way to reach large amounts of people. Utilize bulletin boards in places where your customers are likely to be found. Advertise in some unusual places too, in order to attract more customers.

Post flyers or brochures announcing your grand opening, a special sale, or a promotional event. Be sure to include specific dates as well as your business’s contact information. Post new material often.

Marketing tip – create a blog

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:44:55 +0000

One simple way to market your business and acquire more customers is by starting a blog. Blogging allows you to quickly and easily relay information to existing and potential customers. Start a blog relating to your line of work. Prove that you have knowledge and experience.

For example, if you were a landscaper, you could start a blog about lawn and garden maintenance. Offer solutions to common garden problems, feature special plants, offer garden ideas for beginners and experts, and include images of the work your company has done.

Also, design a web site, including your company’s contact information. It is important that you increase your business’s online presence.

Small businesses must be active in the community

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:06:44 +0000

Hosting events or participating in fundraisers is very important for small businesses. Spread the word about your business by making a donation to a local school event, town fair, charity road race, or anything! If business has been slow and a monetary donation isn’t possible, offer your skills or donate a specific item. For example, your family restaurant cannot afford to make a donation to the middle school dance. Consider donating a few platters of chicken fingers and French fries, or offer to have some of your servers chaperone.

Guest speakers also draw great crowds. Invite a local poet to host a reading at your cafe or used book shop. Hosting events and participating in fundraisers are fantastic ways to attain new customers and garner respect in the community.

Keeping in touch with existing customers is important

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:03:49 +0000

There is a saying, “A good salesman can sell anything once. A great salesman can sell anything more than once.” With so much competition out there, it is important that you, a small business owner, focus your energy on existing customers, not just potential customers.

Keeping in touch with existing customers is a great way to remind people of your servicers and to keep them coming back. Try designing custom postcards or greeting card-type mailers. Express your appreciation for a customer’s business, and your hope that you will be able to be of help in the future. Mention any special deals or promotions as well. This should serve as a friendly reminder. Do not be overbearing.

Design a card with your business logo and contact information. Promotional items like pens, key chains, and mouse pads are great gifts for returning customers, too!

Postcards are a simple marketing tool

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:33:17 +0000

You know that you need to market your small business. However, with the economy, sales have been pretty low. You can’t afford to break the bank with some expensive marketing technique.

Postcards are a simple and inexpensive way to promote your business. They can be created online in minutes by simply uploading a design or customizing an online template. Create a postcard promoting a two-for-one deal at your ice-cream parlor, or offering a fall special from your landscaping company.

Try offering discounts to customers who present the postcard with their purchase, too.

Web sites are a small business must

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:42:54 +0000

In today’s world, all small business should have a web site. Whether you own a used clothing store, a family-run restaurant, or a lawn care business, you must increase your online presence.

Your web site does not have to be overly elaborate. The main purpose is to explain who you are, what you do, where you are located, and how a customer can contact you.

Luckily, designing a professional looking web site is easy. No programming skills are required. Using templates from online marketing companies makes the process painless. You will be able to see how many people have viewed your site, and where they are located. Many companies even offer FREE trials!

Create a web site that matches your business cards and letterhead, too!

Custom calendars are great promotional items

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:07:41 +0000

Custom calendars are great promotional items! They are inexpensive and customers love getting something free for their home or office. Designing desk, wall, or poster calendars is quick and easy.

Make your calendar something special. Include funny staff photos, festive seasonal or holiday photos of yours small business, or creative photos of the products you offer. Be imaginative and choose photos that have a lot of visual variety. Be sure to include your business’s name, logo, and contact information. List the dates of any special events you are hosting, too.

Hand out calendars to your employees as a free gif t with purchase or simply leave a stack on the counter. Sell the calendars for a small price and donate all money to a local charity. Your business will gain popularity and garner respect in the community.

Custom calendars make great personal gifts too!

Custom hats and T-shirts for employees

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:45:39 +0000

Whether it’s for the company softball game or a gift to celebrate the launch of the new brand, custom hats or T-shirts are great gifts for your employees. Your staff will love getting something free and you will love creating a sense of unity among them.

It’s easy and inexpensive to design custom hats or T-shirts. Upload your own logo or choose from online design galleries.

Create T-shirts to commemorate the office holiday party, show off the new logo, celebrate a company anniversary, or anything!

Designs shirts that can be worn all year long or use different colors for different seasons. Choose a day when all employees can wear their shirts to work!

Use banners to promote your grand opening

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:42:27 +0000

Your dream has come true. The finishing touches are falling into place and the grand opening of your small business is rapidly approaching.

You know that you have created a great business, but you need some help getting the word out there. Unfortunately, you find yourself short on funds.

Luckily, designing a custom banner is a quick and inexpensive way to market your business. An eye-catching banner is a fantastic way to get people’s attention. Design a whimsical banner for your ice-cream shop, or something more traditional for your authentic Italian restaurant.

Whatever your business, creating your own marketing materials is easy! Upload your own design or search through online galleries. Create matching business cards and flyers too!