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While most online business owners realize that promoting their products and services are necessary, some are stymied by how to reach their target audience. Some business owners even believe they are too small to invest in a promotional campaign but nothing is further from the truth. While a full-fledged marketing effort may not be necessary for a smaller business, it is however crucial to your success that you employ some type of marketing activity. After all, if you don't spread the word about your business, how will anyone find you?
Without question, learning a few SEO strategies and including interesting
copy on your site are necessary tools for empowering your efforts, that is only
the beginning. When it comes to a productive and fruitful business, at the root
of your success is making sure that your marketing efforts are having an
impact.
The following uncomplicated strategies will definitely empower your efforts
and best of all will not cost a lot of money.
1) Word of Mouth: Still the best form of advertising!
Each time you work
with a client, ask if you can use them as a reference. If they’ve been happy
with your services, they will surely say yes. You should also ask your clients
if they would be willing to refer you to friends and business associates. To
encourage others to recommend you, offer them a small finder’s fee for their
referral.
2) Testimonials Work Extremely Well!
Obtaining a testimonial to include on
your site works miracles. Personally, when clients comment favorably in response
to something I've written, I immediately ask for permission to post their
comments on my site. I then include a link to the client's web site so that we
each gain in the process. All in all, nothing pays off in dividends as well as
good testimonials and referrals.
3) Networking with Others!
Whether it's at a meeting, at an informal
gathering or during a brief presentation, every contact you make is a potential
client. Share what you do with others when striking up conversations with those
in close proximity. You never know if that person might be in the market for
exactly what you have to offer.
4) Give something Away Free!
To get your foot in the door it's often a
good idea to give something away free of charge. This is not to imply that your
services are not worth paying for, but your potential client might need a little
convincing. By way of example, if you're an SEO expert, and you want to gain
greater exposure for your services, arrange to speak at an event. In exchange
for the exposure give the person who arranges the presentation some of your
services free. If he or she discovers how talented you are, you'll get a lot of
new business.
5) Your Presentation & Marketing Collaterals!
A well-written bio,
press release or soft sales letter included in your marketing kit is ideal. You
might also consider creating a powerful marketing slogan that helps you stand
above the crowd. The goal of your marketing material is to demonstrate right off
the bat what you can do for your clients, what makes you unique and where your
specialty lies. Come up with a catchy slogan or line that defines your services
and before you know it, you'll be branded effectively.
6) The Tried and True Article Writing!
Each in our own way has gained
powerful tools through our experiences therefore coming up with an article is a
great strategy for gaining exposure. Some people think that it's all been said
before, but in truth everyone has something of value to share. Be daring and
share something no one else knows about or present it in a way it's never been
said before. Pay particular attention to your experiences and before long you'll
have great ideas to write about.
7) Keeping Records of Your Strategies!
While keeping clear records may not
seem like a marketing strategy, it is probably one of the most important
marketing tools you'll ever use. By keeping records of your clients, where they
come from and how they find you, you always know which of your efforts is
working best. I make it a habit to ask visitors if they discovered my services
via articles, through word of mouth or through search engines. In that way I
know which of my strategies have been most effective and which aren’t bringing
me new business.
As you give thought to your marketing strategies, don't be timid about trying
something new and simple. Very often, the simplest, least expensive method
brings the greatest results.
About the Author
Charlene Rashkow brings 15 years of experience as a Writing
Stylist/Consultant. She successfully helps companies and individuals reach their
objectives by writing outstanding website content, press releases, bios,
articles of interest and all other forms of marketing material. You may contact
Charlene at www.allyourwritingneeds.com or e-mail her at
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You can also call her directly at (310)
514-4844 |
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