| y be getting more and more difficult for small | | | | 4. Articles: Articles are a useful tool for teaching your |
| businesses to compete with giant superstores like | | | | potential clients about your business or products. A |
| WalMart, but in one area the big boys just cannot | | | | store selling cookware could benefit from publishing |
| compare: relationships. | | | | articles about the proper care of their products, or how |
| Your small business may not be able to match the | | | | to cook with cast iron, or recipes in which specialty |
| prices at Home Depot or Target, but here are seven | | | | items like lemon zesters are used. Articles can be |
| ways you can make up for that will stellar customer | | | | published in a variety of formats, both on and offline, |
| service. By building relationships with your customers, | | | | as long as the article itself contains a link back to your |
| you stand a much better chance of retaining that | | | | business' website, or other contact information. |
| customer for life, and isn't that better than a one time | | | | 5. Bonuses: Giving away a bonus with a purchase is a |
| sale to a person you'll never see again? | | | | great way to build rapport with your clients. A hair |
| 1. Contests: Holding a contest is a great way to market | | | | salon that gives away shampoo with a color and cut |
| your business as a fun place, whether you're a party | | | | or a printer who gives away a box of business cards |
| planner or a dentist. Issue a press release to get the | | | | with a ream of letterhead is going to have a lot more |
| community involved, and you'll not only earn new | | | | clients than those who don't. |
| customers, but you'll rediscover old ones as well. | | | | 6. Coupons: Similar to bonuses, coupons give your |
| 2. Newsletters: Sending out a newsletter periodically is | | | | customer the feeling that you care about them, that |
| simply a way of keeping your businesses name in | | | | you're giving away something just for them. Careful |
| front of your clients. Newsletters can be sent by mail | | | | placement and tracking of coupons can also help |
| or electronically, and should contain some helpful | | | | refine your marketing efforts to maximize your ROI. |
| advice, answer questions, and perhaps offer coupons | | | | 7. Donations: Donating your professional services or |
| to give your subscribers a reason to stay subscribed. | | | | consumer products is a feel good way of gaining |
| 3. Seminars: Seminars are often thought of as a tool | | | | exposure in the community--and let's not forget the |
| for business to business sales, but they can be useful | | | | tax benefits. Participation in fundraising events for your |
| in the business to consumer world as well. A bridal | | | | favorite charity, donating prizes or space for a |
| shop might hold a seminar for brides-to-be about | | | | gathering, or even paying for printing costs (with a |
| wedding planning, or a computer store might hold a | | | | blurb) are all good ways to get your business out there |
| seminar to teach users about the latest operating | | | | in front of potential customers. |
| system from Apple. New technology even makes it | | | | Orchestrating all this can seem like a hassle, but if you |
| possible to host seminars online, so you can reach | | | | have a business website that's a good place to keep |
| even more prospective clients without having to worry | | | | your visitors up to date with the latest events you're |
| about scheduling and space constraints. | | | | planning. |