How to Advertise On A Low Budget (Cheap Advertising)

As a business owner, you have to take time, pride, and energize you business regularly... Follow these easy steps:

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Computer with Internet Access

1. MAKE CUSTOMERS FEEL SPECIAL
   A customer will always remember GREAT customer service, more than the price of your items or service.
2. CREATE BUSINESS CARDS THAT PROSPECTS KEEP
   (I'm guilty of this) Most business cards are tossed within hours of a meeting. Instead of having your card tossed, create one that recipients actually will use.
   Remember, your business card should be attractive and gives all contact information. Please see my other article "How to Create Business Cards" or http://www.ehow.com/how_2186355_create-business-cards.html
3. STOP SERVICING BREAK-EVEN CUSTOMERS
   This may be hard especially if you are starting a new business. think of it this way, you are falling for the fallacy of increasing sales instead of boosting profits. If you stop marketing to unprofitable customers, you may have more time and resources for customers who will actually grow your business. Take a detailed look at your customer profitability data and then direct premium services and marketing to customers who count.
4. DEVELOP AN ELECTRONIC MAILING LIST & SEND OLD-FASHIONED LETTERS.
   Most businesses have harnessed the power of e-newsletters — and you definitely should be sending out one, too. It's very cost-effective.
   
   Because e-mail marketing is now nearly ubiquitous, you can quickly stand out by occasionally sending personal, surface mail letters to customers and prospects.
   
   Just make sure the letter delivers something customers want to read, whether an analysis of recent events in your field, premium offers or a sweetener personalized for the recipient
5. BOOST YOUR PROFILE AT TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES.
   I tell all my clients to at least attend the trade shows in your area.
   
   You may not have the capital to have an elaborate booth at a large convention, yet you can not afford to attend conferences.
   
   Attending these meetings, allows you to pass out your business cards, get your website in front of different people without paying per click costs, and you get to shake hands.
6. COMBINE BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE & CHARITY.
   Spearhead an event, party or conference for a cause you care about. That puts you in the position of getting to know lots of people, and shows off your leadership skills.
7. CREATE A DESTINATION
   (I'm a shopper and I know this well) Customers gravitate to the stores to enjoy an experience, to hang out for a while. This true for online businesses as well; news articles and information is always important online - so create an experience to have customers experience your business.
8. BECOME AN ONLINE EXPERT
   Research active e-mail discussion lists and online bulletin boards that are relevant to your business and audience. Join several and start posting expert advice to solve problems or answer questions. The rewards come back in paying clients and referrals.
9. LOCAL MEDIA
   Editorial features convey more credibility with prospective clients than paid advertising does.
   
   To get coverage from the local media, whether from the town newspaper, from TV or radio stations, or from trade journals, you need a fresh, timely story.
   
   It's usually worthwhile to hire an experienced publicist to position the stories, target appropriate media representative and write and send press releases.
10. DON'T LET CUSTOMERS SIMPLY SLIP AWAY
    Make an effort to reel them back in. It costs a lot less to retain a disgruntled or inactive customer than to acquire a new one.
    
    If you haven't heard from a customer in awhile, send a personalized e-mail (you can automate this process), inquiring whether all is well.
    
    For a customer who suffered a bad experience, pick up the phone, acknowledging the unpleasantness and ask if there's anything you can do. A discount can't hurt either.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, the best way to sell is to tell
• Add customer loyalty services, such as free shipping for second-time buyers or rewards when customers spend a certain amount.
• Being kind to customers is the smartest low-cost marketing you can do.
• ASK FOR REFERRALS !!!!
• There are no quick fixes, you must continue to market your business year-round