Now that you’ve decided to start your own business, how best should you go about marketing your products and services? There are several avenues that you can take but what is going to get you the greatest return on investment? Well, that depends upon your product and who your intended customer may be.
Print materials work best for shows and special events. Newspapers and direct mail marketing are more popular with older established adults – retirees and grandparents. Something that they can hold in their hand and take home with them to remind them of who you are and what you sell. Simple business cards and brochures should briefly tell your story and represent your product. This is especially true if you have chosen a business name that really doesn’t say who and what you are selling.
Facebook can be a great way to reach a large number of potential customers with a small investment of money. For as little as $10 you can reach thousands of people and is great for all kinds of products and services. Not to mention just having a Facebook page will make your business more credible. Be sure your page has a lot of photos and information so the potential customer can see all that you have to offer.
Join different groups on Facebook and reach target markets. This is a free marketing avenue and can produce great results. Sharing your posts will help reach even more potential customers as well as allowing family and friends to also help you promote by asking them to like or share your page.
If you are looking for feedback from your customers and friends, Twitter and similar media are good sources for finding out how your customers feel about you and your business – both good and bad.
Don’t forget about social and civic groups and the chamber of commerce. These organizations are great for networking opportunities and word of mouth advertising. While some may require a membership fee, the benefits may out way the cost, and of course, it’s a business expense.
Get involved in your community, getting your face in front of as many potential customers as possible is always the best advertising. Once they get to know and trust you, they will not only be your customer but refer their family and friends to you as well.
Participate in as many events as possible. Do craft fairs and business expos. Make sure the events are being held in locations to attract the most traffic possible. While small events are great and usually promote a special charity or cause, will it be the most beneficial event for YOU?
Larger events in higher traffic locations are generally better attended by the public, simply because they are easier to find and accessibility is usually better. As in real estate – location, location, location. Events on major streets will attract people just driving by and seeing the signs, plus most are familiar with WHERE a specific building or location is on a major street rather than those tucked away in a neighborhood.
These are all great ways to grow your business, and fairly inexpensive when just starting out. As you get more well known by way of these events, you’ll be able to start building a clientele who will also help you market your business to friends and family.
Next step – a website and e-commerce store….?
