Generating new business can be tricky and always presents a challenge. And limited funds can make it seem almost impossible. Here are some ideas that are savings and customer friendly.
1. Add Movement Movement catches people's attention and creates a fun, festive atmosphere. There are many ways to do this, the most common being dancing air men, a flashing LED sign, or flags. People may stop by at a business, but who can pass up a fun time at what feels like a free carnival? Lights, color, and graphics are always a good idea too. The only caution is to make sure all these forms of marketing compliment and don’t compete with each other.
2. Add Humor Studies show that people are much more likely to remember something when they are laughing. This contributes to why funny ads sell. People like to laugh and smile, and then repeat that something funny to friends and family. Good humor spreads and in this case, will therefore sell.
3. A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words Images communicate much more than words ever could in much less space. Use every opportunity, sign, and advertisement to get images of a product in front of potential customers. This creates familiarity and will be stored in a different way in their memory than words would be.
4. Throw a Party! Do something big or outrageous that compliments your business. Have a big contest, party, parking-lot picnic, or give-a-way. If nothing else this will get the winner and other attendees talking about your company and products. Of course, it will also hopefully attract potential customers as well.
5. Form a Team Don’t be afraid to reach out to other small businesses in your community. Provide special discounts for their customers, exchange mailing lists, or host an even together. Teaming up with direct competition might not be a good idea, instead exchange ideas and marketing with a complimentary business. For example, a pool cleaning service could team up with a landscaping company, or a health store could cooperate with a local farmer’s market.
6. Capitalize on Current Customers Most business owners know that it is easier and less expensive to keep a current customer than to try to find a new one. Use that knowledge by sending out birthday wishes, seasonal greetings, coupons, and thank-you cards. Not only will it keep current customers around, but it will ensure that they are happy... and happy customers spread the word!
7. Give-a-ways and No-risk Deals Customers are smart and savvy. People are suspicious of something being “free”, believing that it will either be extremely cheap and not worth their time or that it will have strings attached in some way. Surprise potential (and current) customers by offering a quality product or service completely free of charge. It may be as simple as having fresh, homemade cookies by the check out counter, or it may be more elaborate. But the quality offer will leave a lasting, positive, impression on both potential customers as well as current ones.
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