Grow Your Business

So your business is finally in place. You have already produced your initial product batch, or have your service processes ready.

You can't wait for the date you can finally fling open your doors for business. But while waiting, have you paused to consider if your market has been amply prepared for your coming? In other words, have you informed them of your company's existence? If people don't know about you, then no matter how good your product or service is, you will not succeed.  That is why you need a good marketing and sales strategy.

Here are seven ways to market your business:

1. Media Advertising

- including print ads, TV commercials, and radio spots. Take note that taking out a media ad may not always be the best way to reach your market, especially if you are selling to a niche.  Whenever you come up with an ad, make sure that your message is clear, and it speaks to your target.

2. Brochures or flyers

-you can create inexpensive leaflets with all the pertinent information and hand these out to people. Make sure that your graphics and text are short and catchy, and don't forget to include how people can reach you or where they can buy your product.

3. Promotional items

-these include T-shirts, notepads, caps, mugs, and other useful items printed with your logo or company name, and given out to potential or current customers. Studies show that this method keeps you top-of-mind, particularly if the item you give away is useful and unique.

4. Direct mail

-allows you to send your materials directly to your market (like flyers inserted in the customers' monthly credit card bills). Unless you have your own database, you may have to rent or buy other companies' mailing list.

5. Trade fairs and other networking events

-these are generally done to introduce your business, build a network of contacts, meet potential suppliers and clients, and establish good relationships. Good examples of this are wedding expositions and bridal fairs. You can also offer to speak at seminars that are related to your business. Don't count on doing brisk sales during trade fairs because these events are primarily venues to expose your product or service.

6. Signage

-if possible, put up a sign that announces your presence. This works nearly 24/7, with not much effort on your part. A sign is particularly good in small communities like your neighborhood.

 

7. Public Relations

-is one of the most effective and powerful marketing strategies, and depending on the situation, can be almost free. PR is particularly good for enhancing your image, announcing new products or your launch, or influencing your audience. PR is generally perceived to be more credible than straightforward advertisements. To harness its potential, you will need not only media contacts but a good story angle as well.