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Not
sure where to begin, or to go next? We
can help you plan an effective marketing
strategy (not just the web!) that will
maximize the avenues available to your
business, to get the most out of your
dollar!
Your
web site is an effective marketing tool.
A visitor
will come to your site expecting
something in return for their
time...in-depth information, product
selection, nearly the same service at
hand as if they came to your store.
Here are
some ideas for affordably marketing for
your web site.
- Make
sure to put your web site address on
everything:
-business cards
-brochures
-magnets
-vehicles
-flyers
-stationery
-invoices
-receipts
-pens
-shopping bags
-uniforms or name tags
-outdoor & indoor signage
-product packaging
-newspaper ads
-bus stop ads
- Permission
e-mail marketing - This is one
of the most successful tools today.
Asking your customer's to sign up
for a free service to them. This can
include newsletters, new product
announcements and business news,
helpful ideas, and sales or
promotions. You can even offer a
contest entry with each
subscription.
- Coupons
- Present a coupon online that users
can print and use anytime. You can
also send one in your e-mail
newsletter. Another popular way to
offer a discount is to ask your
customer to use a coupon or discount
code. Ie.. They enter a four digit
code when they are placing their
order, and they will receive 10% off
their order total.
- Follow-up
e-mail - After a short amount of
time, follow-up with your customers.
Were they happy with their products
or service, did they have any
questions? Customer retention is
easier and more profitable than
customer acquisition.
- Testimonials
- On your web site or in a
newsletter, this not only provides
positive material for you, but
offers your customer a way to
advertise their own business.
- Exchange
links - Include in your request
a short phrase or paragraph that
they can copy and paste for their
own site.
- Free
Information - Articles, white
papers, hints, tips, how-to's,
feedback forums.
- Advertise
- In newspapers in other cities
that you would like to target.
- Airline magazines.
- Billboards
- Radio spots
- Search
engine results are improved by
traffic, and timeliness on your
site. Keep your material up-to-date,
and make sure you have a lot of
links from other sites. This can
make a big difference.
- Publish
Articles in magazines or
publications relevant to your
area.....tourism, health and
fitness, etc.
- Shipping
costs is one of the biggest
barriers for an online shopper. Keep
your shipping costs to a minimum,
and your buying ratio will stay
higher.
- Sponsor
local charities. - Helps out their
organization, and brings you 'feel
good' advertising.
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