Tweet

Marketing Tools

Written by: Robin Smyth

Article Overview: It is one of those cruel ironies whereby the people who need to market the most rarely have the money to do so. Small businesses, especially those that are based out of homes, often have a harder time than others in attracting customers. There is no storefront where passers-by can wander into; there is, in fact, little public presence at all. So, how can these entrepreneurs prevent their business from falling into the background? Well, the truth is that there are plenty of marketing tools available that don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Marketing Tools

It is one of those cruel ironies whereby the people who need to market the most rarely have the money to do so. Small businesses, especially those that are based out of homes, often have a harder time than others in attracting customers. There is no storefront where passers-by can wander into; there is, in fact, little public presence at all. So, how can these entrepreneurs prevent their business from falling into the background? Well, the truth is that there are plenty of marketing tools available that don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

First and foremost, one of the cheapest ways for an entrepreneur to stand out and get his message across is to change the message on your voicemail. Record a new message that mentions a special offer, or an updated website, or something that will make callers want to get more information about your company. That way, even if you have stepped out for lunch, you can have your voicemail working for you.

Another way to gain exposure for your company at little cost is to try and get some free media attention. If you give journalists a good story, one that is worth writing about, they will love nothing more. If you have a new product that you will be launching, why not write a press release and send it to your local media. Just make sure that your press release is properly and professionally formatted, and that it is actually newsworthy. You don’t want to overload the media with stories they can’t use. Try to relate your business to current events that are actually going on, and then you could even be asked for an interview on your opinions.

In the virtual world, a well-designed website along with a company newsletter can go a long way in making your presence known, and can be two of the best marketing tools out there. Keep it simple and straightforward. And, don’t just try and sell your product. Provide useful information or advice that will make customers keep coming back to you as the authority on the topic.

If you’re still a fan of the paper route, you can also stick to the more traditional methods of marketing via direct mail or brochures. Although many have switched over to email marketing, there are still some who prefer the traditional route. It can still work, but you must ensure that it looks professional and is well written. Don’t be afraid to seek out help if you need to; it may be worth the price in the long run.

Finally, perhaps one of the greatest marketing tools there is, is referrals. If one customer has a fantastic experience doing business with you, chances are they are going to tell their friends and family. On the other hand, if a customer has had a negative experience, they will almost definitely spread the word. Ensure great customer service so that you can take advantage of this free word of mouth advertising.

Related Articles
  Where Are the Right - Internet Marketing Tools?
  A few internet marketing tools
  Help – I am being invade by social networking and internet marketing
  Network Marketing Tools You Need to Be Successful! Fast Success Guaranteed!
  How to fix sputtering marketing

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
Most Useful SEO Tools For Webmasters - Hi, My name is Jeff, I work for WebBizIdeas.com and we are developing an article called "50 Most Useful SEO Tools for Webmasters." We have ranked & listed our top 30 SEO Tools but want to get your opinion on what SEO Tools are most useful to you; as Internet Business Owners. Google Webmaster Tools Google Analytics Google Alerts Yahoo Site Explorer SEOBook.com Keyword Research SEOBOOK.com SEO For Firefox Tool SEOBOOK.com Search Engine Rank Checker SEOBOOK.com Back Link Analyzer SEOChat.com Keyword Difficulty Compete.com Quantcast.com Alexa.com Archive.org Stompernet Site Seer Technorati.com PRWEB.com ADDTHIS.com SHARETHIS.com EzineArticles.com Scribd.com Squidoo.com YouTube.com StumbleUpon.com Reddit.com Digg.com Del.icio.us Wikipedia.org Flickr.com NewsVine.com Yahoo Answers NOTE: When you list your answers please include a description on what the site is, why it is important to you, and your experience please....we may include it in our article. Jeff
Re: What is your Business? - We are running a Online Marketing Firm and we have some good clients to which we are offering a complete Digital Marketing strategy like Search, Mobile Marketing, Branding and Design. I think in Online Marketing company online presence can be a wining factor for the success of the company.
Re: Let’s talk about the ways of marketing your products, servic - I agree with some of the others who responded it depends on what your selling... but to answer your questions here are some of the methods I use. Forum Marketing Yahoo Answers (I need to use more of) SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Bum Marketing or Article marketing P-P-C (Pay Per Click) Marketing Online Directories Hope this helps.
Re: Should Evan add a "Social Media Marketing" category to the f - Hi, Online Marketing would be a great title, and having sub categories would make it even better, there would plenty of categories to choose from, Social Media, SEO, Article Marketing and yes even Affiliate Marketing to name just a few, great looking site btw Jeff, take care, Carol
Kevin's Case Study #11 - A New Forum Category? - Hi Everyone, 2009 is a new year and I'd like to create a new forum category to jazz things up! In the past, there's been some interest voiced about adding a "Social Media Marketing", "Online Marketing", "Internet Marketing" or "Online Promotion" category. I'll implement [u:1g2tv6tf]ONE[/u:1g2tv6tf] of those new categories, but can someone first tell me what the difference would be between the existing "Marketing" section and one of those new options mentioned above? Thanks


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

How To Become A Member of the Paparazzi

Business Coach Explains To You How To Add Value

10 Reasons Your SBA Loan May Be Declined

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.