How to Improve Small Business Marketing Ideas During an Economic Crisis

Worried about small business marketing ideas during an economic crisis? Need to get more customers during tough times? Looking for ways to attract business without breaking your own bank? An economic crisis can be particularly scary for a small business, but there are plenty of ways to market on a low budget. So weather the crisis with your small business marketing ideas, and watch your bank account grow at the same time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Realize everything you do is marketing. The way you answer the phone or greet potential clients gives customers their first clue as to whether you are serious about customer service. Do you say "hello" with enthusiasm? Are you dressed neatly, or do you look like a leftover from the hippie age? Do you smile when you meet a customer? These small business marketing ideas are all part of a successful business plan, and they cost absolutely nothing.

2. Network. Join your local professional organization. Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts. Attend neighborhood functions. Volunteer. In many businesses, it really is who you know and not what you know. It may not seem fair, but it's true. Networking leads to relationships which leads to more business. You'll also have a lot of new friends and perhaps give back a little to the community. Networking can be tough if you're naturally shy, but you can do it to help your business succeed. And learning what other do will give you new small business marketing ideas.

3. Change your hours of operation. Stay open on Saturday and on Sunday afternoon if you have a retail business. Are you a therapist in private practice? Offer Saturday appointment to busy patients, and make Monday your own day off. Heating and air repair expert? Think about offering emergency service.

4. Get your name out to the community. Teach a continuing education class. Host a free workshop in your area of expertise. Send press releases to the local media when you offer a new service or product. Get recognized as an expert by putting your name in front of the community and media. These are tried and true small business marketing ideas.

5. Increase ways customers can pay you. Pay a merchant fee if you take credit cards, and you'll find the small fee is worth it because so many people like to pay this way. We don't live in a cash society anymore.

6. Think creatively. Team up with a friend who has a business that might dovetail with yours, and you might be able to buy advertising together. And you might laugh when you see a teenager dressed as a cow waving to you from the sidewalk, but remember that your favorite chicken sandwich place does that because it brings in business.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to think outside the box. An economic crisis forces people to come up with creative small business ideas. Think of it as continuing education for your business.

[FranticMommy]

on 5/26/2009 This is FABULOUS! You nailed it. I know of too many small business owners who complain about slow sales, then open late or take long lunches. Tip 2,3