SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR MARKETING SUCCESS! By Charlene Rashkow Copyright2004While most online business owners realize that promoting their products and services are necessary, some are stymied by how to reach their target audience. Some business owners even believe they are too small to invest in a promotional campaign but nothing is further from
truth. While a full-fledged marketing effort may not be necessary for a smaller business, it is however crucial to your success that you employ some type of marketing activity. After all, if you don't spread word about your business, how will anyone find you?
Without question, learning a few SEO strategies and including interesting copy on your site are necessary tools for empowering your efforts, that is only beginning. When it comes to a productive and fruitful business, at root of your success is making sure that your marketing efforts are having an impact.
The following uncomplicated strategies will definitely empower your efforts and best of all will not cost a lot of money.
1) Word of Mouth: Still best form of advertising! Each time you work with a client, ask if you can use them as a reference. If they’ve been happy with your services, they will surely say yes. You should also ask your clients if they would be willing to refer you to friends and business associates. To encourage others to recommend you, offer them a small finder’s fee for their referral.
2) Testimonials Work Extremely Well! Obtaining a testimonial to include on your site works miracles. Personally, when clients comment favorably in response to something I've written, I immediately ask for permission to post their comments on my site. I then include a link to client's web site so that we each gain in process. All in all, nothing pays off in dividends as well as good testimonials and referrals.
3) Networking with Others! Whether it's at a meeting, at an informal gathering or during a brief presentation, every contact you make is a potential client. Share what you do with others when striking up conversations with those in close proximity. You never know if that person might be in market for exactly what you have to offer.
4) Give something Away Free! To get your foot in door it's often a good idea to give something away free of charge. This is not to imply that your services are not worth paying for, but your potential client might need a little convincing. By way of example, if you're an SEO expert, and you want to gain greater exposure for your services, arrange to speak at an event. In exchange for exposure give person who arranges presentation some of your services free. If he or she discovers how talented you are, you'll get a lot of new business.
