You've enlisted some of the traditional marketingmethods to sell your services: you received somepublicity in your local paper; your website is up andrunning; and you're listed in the Yellow Pages. Sowhy isn't the phone ringing off the hook? Maybeyou're marketing strategies need to get more creative!
Creative marketing will allow you to attract newclients, as well as remind past clients that you're stillaround. You'll also stand out from the otherprofessionals in your field: creative marketing getsyou noticed, enticing people to want to know more aboutyou! And the beauty of creative marketing is thatthere is no one right way to do it. Methods thatwork -- and feel comfortable -- for you might notwork for others.
Here are a few ideas to get your creative juicesflowing:
Staying In Touch
Rather than relying solely on the phone to stay intouch, utilize mail and e-mail. It's fast, easy, and tellsyour clients that you took the extra time to think ofthem.
Send birthday cards on your clients' birthdays, orbetter yet, send an anniversary card to celebrate thedate when you first worked with a client.
Another great option is to send postcards ornewsletters filled with tips. This establishes you asan expert in your field. Be sure to include an updateof your current services or any special offers youhave.
Give-Aways that Work
Everyone loves a little gift now and then. Promotionalgive-aways can boost your business by showingappreciation and offering a reminder that you're readyto help.
Steer clear of pens, notepads, and keychains. Yourclients have enough of those. Brainstorm with friendsand your local advertising specialties representativeto find affordable, unique ideas that represent youand your business. (Look in the Yellow Pages under "Advertising PromotionalProducts" for companies near you.)Forexample, at Time to Organize,my company found an affordable, colorful travel alarmclock that can double as a desk clock. Imprinted withmy logo and website address, it's a gift that wasuseful to my clients and beneficial to my business.Remember that memorable and useful items are mostappreciated.
Getting Visibility
Try to draw a little attention wherever you go.Depending upon how shy (or flamboyant) you are,you might try something as simple as wearing yournametag in public to driving around town withmagnetic signs attached to your vehicle that tout your services. Don't be shy abouttooting your ownhorn. If you tend to downplay your strengths, fearingyou'll sound brazen, squash that feeling now! As asmall-business owner, you don't have a marketingdepartment, so you must be your own loudest advocate!Making others aware of your products and services isNOT bragging.
I hope these ideas jump start your creative thoughtprocess. I would love to hear from YOU about yourcreative marketing strategies. What worked best? What bombed? Happy thinking...
Copyright 2005 Time to Organize. All rights reserved.
Sara Pedersen, author of the FREE e-zine "The Marketing Fairy's Guide to Simple SelfPromotion," is a professional organizer and marketing specialist. She helps smallbusiness owners make their marketing dreams come true. Sign up today athttp://www.time2organize.net to receive your FREE monthly subscription.
Copyright2004Time to Organize. |
