subject: Low Cost Marketing Moves For Small Businesses [print this page] Author: Jovana Zivanovic Author: Jovana Zivanovic
Marketing a small business may seem tricky and expensive. Most of the small business owners are convinced that there is no way they can compete with giant and international companies which have special teams of people working on the promotion of their products or services. This is partially true. You cannot compete with them first of all because you cannot invest the same amounts of money. Marketing isn't a competition even though it seems so sometimes. Essentially, it is a presentation of what you do and what you have to offer. A really goodmarketing strategy is based on introducing your firm to the market, not on showing how much better you are than others.As a small business owner, you have limited financial means. That shouldn't discourage you. There are effective marketing activities that can be conducted for little or no cost to help you keep your sales alive even during the recession. The key is to assemble a group of marketing tactics. Following advices might help. You need to invest some of your time and to let your inspiration do the rest. Visit your Website from the perspective of the visitor. You have only ten seconds to make a good first impression, so focus on what someone who visits your web presentation for the first time may see and think. Pay attention on your site navigation-can visitors easily find what they need? If your business is selling online is the purchase process simple to use? Finally, never underestimate the power of search engine optimization. That is the way to make your website present on the Internet. A monthly email newsletter is a free commercial of your company. Letting your customers and prospects know what is new and positive in your work not only informs them, but also makes a positive impression showing that you care about each of them. Press releases announce new products or services offered by your business, your latest achievements, new employees, management changes, new markets, discount programs This is a great option if you want to present your company as a professional and successful entity. Your customers will also feel close to your business, by having an impression they can feel how your company breathe. All it takes is a one well put page each month or wherever your work is improved. Work on your marketing ideas-create your ideal marketing mix by targeting your consumers and your market in general. By defining who your prospects are and what are their needs, you define the kind of marketing approach that you should choose. The other step of creating your marketing mix is to outline your goals and your budget. When picking your marketing tactics you should balance these two. Choose the media appropriate for your business promotion. Magazines, newspapers, cable TV, website, social media siteyour choice depends on your finances, the type of the business you run and the audience. Costs of the media required to reach your prospects can also vary, so before you take this step investigate all the options. About the Author:
Jovana is Professor of Spanish and English Language and Hispanic Literatures. Currently working as trchnical writer, editor and small business expert at Bizcloud.