3:23 PM
Lanee' Blunt
By Lanee' Blunt
Advertising a small business is effective when you put in
creativity and time. You may not have a big advertising budget when starting
out, but there are several ways to advertise and produce results. Use a combination
of advertising ideas. Advertise in peak seasons if you’re in lawn care,
housekeeping, and roofing. Here are some small business ideas.
Write Personal Letters
Advertise your small business by sending personal sales
letters, use your computer to generate the letter, and use the mail merge
feature it will personalize your mailing list. Write a personal letter with a
friendly tone for example; sound as if the prospect is sitting across from your
desk in your office. Address the letter with the prospects full name and
address. Most letters say something personal to the prospect, for example,
congratulations on opening your new business. You can stress the benefits of
using your product or service in the letter. The personal letter should contain
a specific piece of information. It contains a P.S., and it must be signed in
ink or a fountain pen.
Get Listed in Directories
Numerous directories carry a large amount of advertising.
List your small business with the Yellow Pages. You will get local calls from
your advertisement. The Yellow Pages is used often and almost by everyone. The
directory is usually used when someone has searched for a definite need or
information. Create your ad like you would for a business-card with a listing
of; the name, the trademark, the product, or the service that you offer.
Register on web directories also. There are a number of free directories that
will list your business information and telephone number.
Get Referrals
A good referral program can go a long way for getting
customers. Devise a referral program and give a free gift if your customers
give you three referrals. Ask them for a name, address, and phone number of
three of their friends.
Specialty Products
Get pens, calendars, or mugs made up with your small
business name, address and phone number. Distribute the specialty item to
clients, to prospects and to everyone that you think can use your product or
service.
Pay Per Click
The approach is different from advertising on television
with pay per impression. Adwords is pay per click (PPC) which allows you to
advertise your website or a product on the side or top of the page of the
search engine or on someone’s website.
When someone clicks on your ad they will be directed to your website.
This drives traffic in high volumes to your website.
Reference:
Jay Conrad Levinson, Jeannie Levinson & Amy Levinson;
Guerrilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits
from your Small Business; Houghton Mifflin; 2007
SBA: Market and Price; 100+ Marketing Ideas
Posted in: Advertising
