31. Setup an affiliate program.
If you are selling a product, consider finding affiliates who will promote and market your business in exchange for a commission on the sale. There are a number of inexpensive softwares out there that can help you manage and setup your affiliate program. You don’t have to join big affiliate management companies such as Linkshare or Commission Junction, as those companies charges a lot for setting up and managing affiliate programs.
32. Cold call prospective clients.
Cold calling is tough, and you need to brace yourself for loads of rejection, especially if you are a novice. However, it can be a good way to uncover qualified prospects in a relatively short period of time. Read “Steps to Cold Calling Success”.
33. Volunteer and support your local community.
Volunteering can put your business in a positive light and is an excellent way to promote good will in your local community. You can join your local chamber of commerce and actively volunteer and become involved in the committees. This will allow you to talk to other business owners and even residential customers. You can also volunteer your expertise with the local non profits, or become actively involved as board members in local organizations.
34. Send out regular newsletters.
A newsletter can keep you in touch with your audiences and customers, and allow them to continuously to be engaged with your business. Email newsletters are one of the fastest growing communication/marketing tools today. In addition to being a dynamic, affordable marketing tool, they are also one of the best ways to promote a web site and give you and your clients an excuse to capture valuable data to use for other marketing campaigns.
35. Get your family and friends to help you.
Your network of family and friends can be your first ally in marketing the business. Request them for referrals. Tell them to help you spread the word about your business. Ask them to wear your tshirts with your corporate logo and websites. Get their feedback on how they think you can improve your product presentation, or even the overall quality of your product.
36. Do product demonstrations.
Product demonstrations are very powerful ways to show your product and educate your prospective customers. Late night infomercials, for example, are nothing but extended demos of the products. Customers want to know the products, how to use them, and how it can help them — and product demonstrations allow that. For a cooking product, you can request your neighborhood grocery store if you can demo your product in their premises. If you are doing trade shows, product demos can be very effective in helping potential buyers understand your product better. Remember, however, that the best demo is customized to the customers and their problems.
37. Wear your company t-shirts.
As a small business owner you already eat and sleep your business, so why not wear it too? You can go to your local t-shirt printing company and have them make shirts for you. Or you can buy shirts from your local craft store, and iron on transfers the tshirt design (or even just your logo and URL) that you’ve created. Then wear that shirt as much as you can while going around your neighborhood.
38. Harness keep-in-touch marketing.
Nurturing existing relationships is an important way to keep you in the top of your former and current customers. You can send a personalized thank you to a new client or contact. During holidays, remember your customers by sending them a Christmas card that simply says thank you. You can also send them postcards about your upcoming sale, or just as a reminder of the products and services you offer. By keeping in touch with these former customers, it will help keep you on their minds.
39. Distribute pinup flyers.
One of the most widely used advertising options for small business owners is the pinup flyer. You can create a simple sheet of paper with your company logo and a short write up. Depending on your type of business, you can include a tear-off section on the bottom and put the flyers up at your local stores and other locations that may have bulletin boards. However, be sure to check your local city or county laws regarding distribution of flyers to make sure that you are not violating any rules and ordinances.
40. Join your local business associations.
And don’t forget to get involved! Your local Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce can provide an abundance of opportunities for your business. The networking events are a way to meet other business professionals in your community. And, getting involved in the committees allows you to share your expertise and be recognized by your fellow members.
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50 Free or Low Cost Ways to Market Your Small Business (Part 5)
