5 Free marketing tips that will kick start your business

You may have the best product or service in the world, but if people don’t know about it, you won’t make a dime. You must get the word out and it’s a wise small business owner who schedules marketing into his or her workweek. It doesn’t have to be difficult. If you let your mind run free and brainstorm a little, you can come up with some innovative and fun ways to market your business. Here are five ideas for spicing up your marketing.

1. Tap into Your Expertise

PR and Media expert Nancy Marmolejo gives this tip, “As an entrepreneur, you’re an expert in your specific field. When you gather up your expertise and present it to the public as information, then it helps by

>> showcasing your talent and expertise,
>> increasing your “know-like-trust” factor, and
>> cementing your credibility as an expert.

You’ll find yourself pushing less and less with your marketing and welcoming a steady stream of presold prospects who find your information irresistible. Start out by publishing tips, articles, blogs, or using social media.” Pick up Nancy Marmolejo free audio, 7 Quick and Simple Tips to Stand Out and Sizzle as a Sought After, Recognized Expert.

2. Market to Your Existing Customers

Solo-Entrepreneur expert and founder of www.Solo-e.com, Terri Zwierzynski, shares this tip, “Instead of focusing your marketing on getting new business, turn your attention to your existing customers for a change. Send them an unexpected thank you card or gift, or offer them an unadvertised bonus or special. Make it personal — do something that lets them know they are a VIP client. If you treat all your clients this way, they will feel special — and they’ll be likely to tell someone else about you, which is ten times as powerful as any marketing message you could write for yourself!”

3. Change Headlines in Your Copy and Test Reponses

Allan Katz, copywriting expert, explained, “Which will get you the most response? Buy One Get One Free, Half Price, or 50 percent OFF? They all mean the same thing, but one will always outpull the rest by almost 4-1. Changing a headline in your direct response ad copy can boost your readership and attract more qualified prospects to buy your products and services. Use action words in your headlines and copy to entice the reader to take action. Weave a story throughout your text as you give a little information and tease your prospect into delving further into your products and services.”

4. Harness the Power of a Win-Win

Home schooling expert and long-time internet entrepreneur, Lisa Preston gives this tip, “Partner with local businesses to create a special deal for referrals. For instance, if you’re a landscaper you could partner with a bank in your locale. Give them a special landscape discount package (i.e. $300 discount coupon for complete service) to offer anyone who applies for a home mortgage. This technique makes the bank look good as they’re giving away a $300 gift and puts your face in front of the exact people who would need your services.” To get more tips from Lisa Prestion along these lines read Insider Secrets to Follow Up Marketing Fortunes.

5. Build Relationships

Marketing is about building relationships with your clients, prospects, site visitors and joint venture partners. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to build relationships online is via Social Media. “It’s a great way to extend your reach because you’re able to get your name and information to different sites and reach people that you would not have otherwise,” says article marketing expert, Jeff Herring. Advertising and marketing expert, Michele PW, also offers this suggestion when using social media to build your business, “Don’t be too quick to start selling. Put the relationship first; let the selling come later. Think of how you would approach someone offline. If you keep that as a guideline you’ll be fine.”

Source: ideamarketers.com | Marnie Pehrson