With that said, I need to practice what I preach...so here I go!
I have to say, that this blogging thing is pretty scary, even for a seasoned copy writer. Ususally I have a ton of copy points that I blend all together and put a pretty little bow on it. Not today! Today, I am starting from scratch, no copy points. Just me.
I guess I will start out by telling you about my biggest frustrations in the advertising business. Why, when you are open for business, do companies NOT advertise? A wise man once said "Running a business without advertising is like having a party and not sending any invitations. Who do you think will come?" Well said. I guess business owners feel that once they open their doors, whether it is a brick and morter store, an online business or a home-based business, that their customers will come flocking to buy their products and services. Yeah, right. There are SO many other businesses in the market place that are vying for the same customers precious dollars that you really have to ASK customers to do business with YOU, instead of your competition.
How do you do that, you ask? Simple. Tell people about your business. Invite them to do business with you and explain to them WHY you are different than all the other businesses out there that are just like you. First of all, you need to determine your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). In a nutshell, write down everything you do that no one else in your industry can say. If you can put your competitors name in your USP, and it is still true...it is NOT unique to your business. Do you have free nationwide delivery? Do you have a 100% lifetime happiness guarantee? You might need to do a little research on your competitors to learn what their USP is, and then, one-up them!
A little competition is good for everyone.
Once you dertermined what makes you different and better than any of your competitors, scream it from the mountain tops!! You can market your business for little to no money. Seriously. There are thousands of ways you can invite people to do business with you for free, or low-cost. Here are some of my favorites:
- Email newsletters - collect your current customers email addresses or borrow them from your friends to start your database. You can always add more later.
- Social media - facebook is a must-have for any business, along with LinkedIn and twitter.
- Public relations - this is EARNED media. Make a story newsworthy before sending to the media outlets for coverage. If it seems like a sales pitch, they won't bite.
- Guerrilla marketing - chalk the sidewalks, handout flyers on main street, flyer a parking lot (with permission). You get the idea.
- Word of mouth - by far my favorite. Just do a great job, take care of your customers and they will tell their friends about you!
'Till next time!
Renee
About TRIO Marketing Branding Advertising
TRIO is a full-service marketing communications company providing a wide array of integrated marketing services to meet all of your business and marketing needs.
At TRIO, we understand that each client is unique; therefore we provide customized solutions based on your goals and growth objectives. All of our recommendations are made specifically for you and your business.
TRIO Marketing, Branding and Advertising delivers an effective blend of creative talent and strategic thinking, delivering results that increase the bottom line of our client partners. We utilize our network of local experts in the community to execute the campaigns on the basis of design, printing and mailing.
Our Services include:
- Marketing, Branding, Public Relations and Advertising Consulting
- Strategic Annual Marketing Plan Development
- Integrated and Interactive Marketing Services including E-mail and SMS Marketing
- Promotional Products
- Media Negotiation, Placement & Spot Traffic Management
- Print Design & Production
- Web Development & Search Engine Optimization
- Direct Mail Services
- One-on-One Sales Team Development
I look forward to working with you!
