Chances
are that your business has a logo, or at least an awesome name for which you
are working to gain recognition every chance you get. You may already be
promoting your business in obvious places like store signage, business cards or
print ads, but there are numerous other fun and unique ways you can help build
credibility, recognition and a connection with your desired customers:
1. Online Presence
Establish an online presence for your business that is in line
with your brand. No website? No problem. A domain name lets you connect a custom Web address to
your social media page, allowing it to act as a business website. Now when a
customer types in your Web address, it takes them directly to your social media
presence. Having your own Web address makes it easy to tell people where to
find you online. And, if you want to create a website in the future, you
already have a great Web address that your customers know.
2. Branded Email
A business-branded email (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com) shows the
world your company is established and professional, whereas a generic email,
likeyourbusiness@freeemailaddress.com may project inexperience — or even worse,
raise doubts about whether you’re a real company. Moreover, by using branded
email, every time you send an email it promotes your business.
3. Phone Calls
Make sure that the people who answer your business phone answer
it professionally and courteously, and name your business in the same way every
time. It’s also important that your after-hours message shares your business
name, location, hours and Web address, so customers can look up information
about your business even when you are not open.
4. Employee/Customer Apparel
Outfit your staff and customers in shirts, jackets and other
clothing that features your brand colors and/or your logo and Web address. This
makes it easy for customers to identify employees. And each customer wearing
your branded apparel becomes a walking, talking billboard for your business.
5. Business Cards Re-Imagined
You may already have business cards, but whether you do or
don’t, make sure that any future cards you create are emblazoned with your
logo, tag line, Web address and contact information. Consider using
double-sided cards with a customer loyalty coupon on the back so people will
hold on to it.
6. Promotional Giveaways
What is your brand known for, or what do you want it to be known
for? For example, if you sell wine, consider giving away branded wine keys to
your customers with your company logo and Web address. No matter what your
business focuses on, everyone needs to stay hydrated and most people can’t
function without coffee. Logoed items like mugs and water bottles as thank-yous
or giveaways will get used and remind customers of your business with every
sip.
7. Make a Video
If you own a smartphone, you can make a simple video at a very
low cost and then share the video with your social media networks or on your
website. Video is the most popular type of online content today. The trick is
to create a video that is useful, interesting and in line with your brand.
8. Generate Creative Content
Many small business owners have created a niche and loyal
following for themselves by creating and sharing content via blogs and
articles. It helps to set them apart from their competition by positioning them as experts in their field. The trick
is to think of topics or experiences you can speak about in unique ways to gain
the attention of customers.
9. Email Marketing
Build an email list by asking customers for their email
addresses at the checkout line or on your website and social media sites. This
is a great way to ensure constant communication with them about information
such as promotions and discounts, or events. The key is to send professional
looking and sounding emails infrequently enough to not be annoying, but enough
to stay top-of-mind. There are many reasonably priced email marketing services
that can be leveraged to make the email marketing process easier and can help
ensure that you comply with all applicable laws. Read: Tips for Leveraging Email Marketing for more information.
Before going out and investing a bunch of time and money into
any of these suggestions, it is important to ask a few questions to make sure
you invest in the right promotional opportunities.
1.
Who is your target audience? How old are they, what do they like
to do? The answers to these questions will help you understand which
promotional activities will appeal most to them.
2.
What is a realistic budget for marketing your business? This
will help you prioritize promotional opportunities to get the biggest bang for
your buck. Free and inexpensive activities like social media and websites can
be a cost effective way to reach a broad audience.
3.
How can you measure the effectiveness of your promotional
efforts? This will help you determine which activities you should keep doing,
or invest more or less into.
3:44 AM
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