MightyRecruiterAttracting new customers is a great way to increase the profitability of your business. While advertising avenues are many, choosing the most effective ad types depends largely on knowing your audience. Is your customer base mostly young and tech-savvy, or older and more likely to respond to a printed flyer? Is a social media campaign more likely to succeed than an appearance at a local fair or trade show? Should you do both? These are all questions you will have to consider when designing a marketing strategy to draw in new clients.
Online Options
While there are multiple ways to advertise on the web, building your own website should be the first step toward a successful online presence for any company. Websites can range from simple informative pages to complex marketing tools with online shopping. The cost of building your page, along with the price of ongoing hosting and maintenance, is one of the main factors to consider when shopping for or remodeling your site.
You will want your site to look and feel professional and include all the features you will need during the next several years. Some sites can be designed with expansion in mind, allowing you to add new features down the road as your business and online needs change and grow. Be sure the final design includes easy-to-find contact information and visible links to any social media platforms you plan to utilize.
Social media is a great way to build brand recognition and reach out to a new audience. With likes, shares and tweets, you may find your loyal customers are some of your best and cheapest marketing tools. Pairing social media with other approaches, like coupons and special sales, can encourage more interaction and broaden your online fan base. Offering discounts to existing customers who refer new clients is a great way to take advantage of word-of-mouth advertising and encourage social media sharing.
Email newsletters can be a great way to give something back and enhance loyalty. If you have a blog or can write a regular educational article regarding your products or company, consider building a list of those interested in receiving updates by email. Be sure to use your website to encourage newcomers to sign up for your (daily, weekly, monthly) newsletter. A great way to increase participation is to offer a coupon or other enticement for those who sign up.
Printed Possibilities
For some businesses, printed ads are still the staple of their marketing approach. Buying printed ad space is only one of the ways to utilize paper marketing. Consider a multi-faceted approach and some of the following options.
- Newspaper or magazine ad
- Direct-mail postcard or flyer
- Billboard ad
- Coupon flyer or space in a coupon book
Coupons are a great way to entice newcomers to try your product or service. Most people will end up purchasing additional items or returning for future service, and may become some of your best customers.
Co-Ops and Cross Promotions
Retailers and companies that buy wholesale products may find a willing marketing partner in vendors and distributors. Some offer to share the cost of an ad that uses their brand name or product images. Utilizing these co-op opportunities is a great way to drive down marketing costs and utilize avenues your business may not traditionally turn to.
Cross-promotional campaigns reach out to a wider audience through a partnership where both companies offer a special discount or service to each other’s existing clients. These promotions are a great way to spread the word while also utilizing the trusted business/client relationship of the other company.
Offering great products and service with a smile ensure better customer relationships and a brand people believe in. When you increase your customer base with methods that work for your target audience and make financial sense for your company, you’re sure to see the greatest returns.
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