Marketing on a Shoe String Budget
Marketing on a Shoe String Budget
I invited a business owner to connect with me on the www.linkedin.com website. She told me she is too busy making her jewelry to be on the internet. The internet allows your business to be connected to future customers. Every business needs customers so using technology tools to utilize your time to reach many people can explode your business. Read this Story from DiversePhilly’s Soles, a shoe experience!
The Power of the Shameless Plug by Sheila Mitchell-Green
Today, June 26, 2008, I had the pleasure of being on the Steve Harvey Morning Show in the Home Depot segment. I knew that flower boxes would be the issue, so I sent in my letter because we have issues with folks sitting in our boxes while waiting for the bus (hoping to get picked and shamelessly plug the store). Surprisingly, my letter was picked! In having the segment, and being women's shoes, Shirley and Carla were all ears. I courted Tommy right away by letting him know my husband was his "frat bro". I was given the opportunity to speak about my business and give out the website more than 3 times, even Tommy repeated it. After countless sales online, (over $1000) and over 4000 hits in less than hour as well as 200 emails requesting information and being added to the mailing list, plus more walk ins than usual on a Thursday morning, I am feeling extra blessed today. It is amazing how GOD chooses to bless you, even if it is in the mist of the "Shameless Plug”.
As of today the site has been 5868 times in less than 5 days, it took us more than a year to get 10,000 hits. No shame in my game. Be as creative in marketing as you can be!
As you can read, Soles, a shoes experience used her website and the radio to connect to potential customers across the United States. Here are the top ways to market your business on a shoe string budget.
1) Website – Cheapest form of advertising. It is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can cost from 180 to 10,000 per year. There is a website for every budget. Your website should be improved every 18 months as your business grows. The internet connects over 100 million web pages. So your business should be listed in multiple search engines so your website can be found.
2) Business cards – Business cards are second because any one can use this but they are no good if the website is not printed on them. Color Business cards set your business apart and always remember a picture is worth 1000 words.
3) Network –
a. FaceBook, Plaxo and Linkedin are my favorite websites for social networking. People do business with the people they like, know and trust. All three ingredients and needed for a business/social relationship. There is no difference between a business or social relationship. Using your social network to build get recommendations help you build TRUST.
b. Join the local chambers of commerce. Don’t just pay the money but see how they can help your business grow through the networking events, the distribution lists and your chamber contact!
4) Print Media – The best validation is third party. Send a press release to your local newspapers so you can get an outside source to write about your business. Make sure you get the link to the article so it can be added to your website.
5) Digital Media – Radio and Internet video are great advertising vehicles, especially in the internet age. This media can be reused multiple times for the same investment dollars. I have used this with the help of Whole Unit Studios to digitally record most appearances. Barack Obama built his legacy on reaching many people multiple times. His “A more perfect union” at the National Constitution Center was played once on cable TV but viewed over 4.6 million times on youtube (http://www.moreperfectunion.info).
6) Your own store! – Your web address should be printed everywhere in your store. The flyers you print, the receipts given to customers, the promotional marketing products handed out. The objective is to stay at the top of the customers mind.
7) Vending Events - Vending is a cost effective marketing tool to get your business known. Be prepared with your business card and get their contact information so you can start your newsletter distribution list.
8) YOU- “Your business is a reflection of You” from The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. When I started my business, I started working on me. It took 14 months to go from a size 22 to a size 8 and in that same time, Newman Networks was building a network.