5 more tips for
successful marketing
by Marty Marsh
Here are five simple tips you can implement today to more effectively market your business.
- Send a simple letter to your current customers, clients, and prospects telling them about the services you offer. Never assume they are already aware of all the services or products you offer. A dentist might let his patients know about a whitening service, an accountant might remind her clients that she also offers bookkeeping services in addition to tax preparation, a bakery might announce that they also create stunning wedding cakes, and so on. Simply telling them in a letter or a postcard will surprise you with additional sales.
- Make them feel special. Show your customers and prospects how much you care about them, and build some goodwill and trust, by celebrating their special days with them. Send birthday and anniversary cards or notes, or just a “have a great day” card; there doesn’t have to be a special occasion. Don't put any advertising or coupons in with these kind of mailings. Just let them know you’re thinking about them.
- Take advantage of testimonials. Your credibility will increase dramatically with the use of customer testimonials. But you’ll have to ask for them and you’ll be surprised at how eager customers are to “toot your horn for you.” Use the testimonials in all your marketing materials.
- Phone, mail, phone. Introduce any mail you’re about to send to a prospect by phoning first. Tell them what to look for (like a large orange envelope with a blue stripe) then mail only to willing recipients. After a few days, call them again to see if they received the information and answer any questions they may have.
- Create urgency. Everyone puts things off, so create a sense of urgency with an incentive to act quickly. “Free to first 100 customers.” “Free gift with orders placed by…”
What would you like to do next?