A Variety of Tips From the Marketing Grab Bag!
By Renea Myers, president of Renea Myers Marketing

• Set aside time each month to brainstorm story ideas to pitch to the local media. Publicity is the best form of FREE advertising.

• Find a Marketing Strategic Partner—someone who targets the same audience you do. Share a client appreciation/referral event.

• Send your best customers a seasonal treat such as a gift card for coffee, candy, or ice cream. Include two gift cards- one to use and one to share with someone they think would be a good referral for you. Staple your card to the certificates and be sure to casually inquire who received the referral treat.

• Make a networking calendar of events for the rest of 2008. As a courtesy, share with your clients and prospects via email.

• Develop a small list of targeted prospects and send them a direct mail series with a specific call to action. Postcards are a good bet.

• If you’ve purchased a large mailing list but don’t have the staff for timely follow-up, consider mailing only 50 pieces at a time. It makes follow-up much more manageable.

• Learn as much as you can about internet marketing and social media. Take it one step at a time so as to not get overwhelmed. Ask your colleagues and business partners to share successful strategies.

• Host free educational programs within your area of expertise. Invite prospects and clients to attend at your place of business to keep costs down.

• Pay attention to the format of all your writing. Use bullets, boxes, lists, and sub-headings. Long sections of unbroken text are uninviting to the reader.

• If you’re a small business, “specializing” and becoming an expert in your field is an effective way to look “big.”

• If yours is a business-to-consumer operation, invest in a toll free number. It makes your business look like a big player and the inclusion of it in your print ads will boost response.

• When you are making speeches, offer attendees additional free information by contacting you afterwards.

---Source: Renea Myers is the owner of Renea Myers Marketing, a Greensboro firm offering businesses a complete outsourced marketing department or special project management. For more information, visit www.rmyersmarketing.com or email Renea at renea@rmyersmarketing.com.