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12) Bank on this!
Write articles and submit them to article banks such as www.goarticles.com (search on Free Content) and groups (see #10). You can basically write about anything you know, write short stories about experiences you’ve had, helpful articles, your view on a subject you’re comfortable with, for example. Make sure you include your byline or writer’s resource box at
end of your article or story. This can be a short description of your business, a link to your website and a link to your subscription page.
How to write an article: www.freesticky.com/stickyweb/articles/write_article_profit_strate gy.asp And: www.accordmarketing.com id/archive/write.html
13) Please release me!
Write a press release about your business, your contest, an organization you’re sponsoring or anything you think is newsworthy. Send it to your local newspapers, to magazines and online press release services (see www.whimsies- online.com/newsrelease2.htm for an example.
Here’s an excellent article on how to write a press release: www.lunareclipse.net/pressrelease.htm
You can post your press release at www.prweb.com/
14) The Paper chase
If you get featured in your local paper or in a magazine, mention story in ALL of your promotional materials. Scan it and add to your website or link to original article if it’s available online.
15) Pick a card - any card!
Distribute your business cards EVERYWHERE. Print a money-saving coupon on back. Voila! A double-duty card!
16) Fashion Plate
Wear your ads! No, put away that spray paint - it’ll clog your pores! I have t-shirts that I printed on using my color printer and t-shirt transfer paper. Print your logo and/or business name and website address, and wear your creation everywhere (but I’d rethink that black tie event, if I were you!)
For a low-cost logo, visit these guys: www.GotLogos.com. They designed my logo for their flat rate of $25 and it is top-notch. I’d recommend them to anyone. Check out logo they designed for me here:
www.whimsies-online.com - it’s at very top of page.
17) Nifty Gifty
Send an inexpensive but useful gift with each order. Helps your customer remember you and they might re-order from you at a later date. It can even be a coupon for 10% off their next purchase. One of my gifts is a laminated bookmark personalized with customer’s name. It also shows a miniature edition of cartoon they just ordered! Everyone loves personalized items. Another idea would be a personalized coaster using CD’s you no longer need, or freebies you get in your mailbox (the metal mailbox outside your house, not virtual kind!). See how to here: www.whimsies-online.com/cdcoasters.htm
Mention "gift with purchase" on your website and include approximate value if they were to purchase it separately.
18) Mug Shot
Another idea would be to use your logo or a catchy phrase and your website address to print on mugs, mouse pads, and other items. Cafe Press prints design you upload onto any articles you choose from their vast selection. They do production, shipping, collecting funds, and will send you your commission cheque. When you create your online store with them (they have a free version as well as an upgrade to a Premium Shop) be sure to include a link to your own website. Here’s an example: www.cafeshops.com/animal_house which links to www.whimsies- online.com/whimsieswear.htm
The Cafe Press website is www.cafepress.com
19) Happy Campers
Always ask for testimonials. Ask your customers and subscribers for a word or two about your product. If a customer has emailed you to thank you for handy widget hing-a- magig/whatchamacallit you sent them, ask if you can use their comments in your next ezine and your "testimonials" web page
20) Analyze this!
Send samples of your product to influential people for a testimonial or for a small write-up in their publication or website.
21) Ad-Vantage
There are many ezines and online companies that offer free ad submissions. Check out Bob Osgoodby’s website. He offers a free ad service (he also has three very informative ezines!). You can check out his site at www.adv-marketing.com/business/
These are just a bunch of creative ways to promote your online presence. Try some or all, and when you get hang of it you’ll probably dream up some more. Have fun with them and see what works for you!
Heather Diodati is the owner of Whimsies! By DDesign featuring Personalized Cartoon Designs for all occasions. Heather is also the creator/distributor of the Pet Computer Virus, a novelty designed for the computer user; as well as other unique computer novelties. Sign up for our free ezine, On A Whim, for your free time management gifts!http://www.whimsies-online.com
