Five fast, free tactics to boost business
20 Aug, 2008 By: MJ Gilhooley Get Growing
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make during periods of economic slowdown is to cut back on marketing, public relations and advertising. Instead, your marketing needs to be more aggressive and more comprehensive than ever. To that end, here are five free marketing tactics you can easily implement to help your business succeed in tough economic times.
1. Set a Google Alert for your business name.
Monitor where and how you are being mentioned online and if possible, interact with those making comments about you. For example, if you set a Google Alert for “XYZ Flower Store” and Google sends you an alert showing you were positively reviewed by a customer on Yelp, write back to the reviewer and thank them for their kind words. Also, as an aside, check out Google’s other free business tools from software to website traffic analytics.
2. Pick up the phone and call past clients.
Simply touch base. Chances are you will discover that some of them just happen to have projects or assignments for which your services may be required
3. Use email to your best advantage.
Send regular email communications to your current prospect list as well as the “new” list we all must create in these times. By joining local groups or associations, you build on your prospect list. Provide free tips, offer to come speak at local groups, update them on your landscaping services and activities, and if applicable, include a promotion. Be sure to have an “unsubscribe” option at the bottom of the email in case recipients no longer wish to receive your communications.
4. Join an online networking resource such as “Linked-In.” My American Marketing Association has conducted numerous seminars on this amazing resource. You will be surprised to see how many professionals the landscaping industry are tapping into these online networking resources. Free memberships with online networking groups can help in many ways including:
- Finding potential clients, service providers, subject experts and partners who come recommended.
- Being found for business opportunities.
- Searching for great jobs.
- Discovering inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals.
- Posting and distributing job listings.
- Finding high-quality passive candidates.
- Getting introduced to other professionals through the people you know.
5. Stay Focused
Nothing will damage your business more than business myopia or short sightedness. In order to stay successful, you must always keep an eye on your long-term goals and objectives. You will hit rough spots, but don’t get bogged down in the present. Keep your eyes on your target. Every decision, every cutback, and every improvement you make now must be beneficial not only in the present but more importantly in the future.
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