Marketing on a Budget

A successful marketing plan doesn't have to include an athletic superstar, prime-time placement, state-of-the-art computer graphics or a massive budget. Being resourceful and smart can be just as effective.

Business promotion doesn't have to cost a fortune. Often, it's the personal touch that seals the deal. Here are ideas gathered from marketing experts to help you make the most of a slim marketing budget:

Use Press Release Power
You might not realize it, but reporters sometimes need you as much as you need them. The key to getting their attention is coming up with a newsworthy item that is concisely written.
* Peg your release to real events, such as fundraising drives or a new service your business offers. Don't be witty to amuse yourself the idea must have a concrete purpose.
* If you can't figure out why your company might be newsworthy, ask your friends what they find interesting about your company.
* You can also utilize your built-in research tool your customers. If you have an offbeat idea, bounce it off them or have them fill out a short questionnaire. Ask them why they use your business.

Think Differently
Concoct an event to draw media coverage. For instance, a Japanese restaurant could create the world's largest sushi roll and advertise its record-breaking "sushi queue."

Put A Face On It
Placing your photograph on your business card creates a personal relationship, even if they don't know you. Not only will people remember your name, they'll remember your face.

Print The Praise
If someone says, "You do a great job," say, "Thanks, very much, that means an awful lot to me. I would appreciate it if you would write a testimonial letter." Then make the testimonial part of your promotional package.

Borrow A Message
When you see an article on a subject that might interest your clients, send them a photocopy with a note that says, "I thought you might be interested in this." You're making a personal connection with a client and associating yourself with the authority quoted in the article in the process.

Think Outside The Box
You don't have to outspend your competition, you just have to outthink them. Some examples: Buy a billboard ad every other month for a year. Chances are, the billboard won't be replaced on the off months, so you'll get more exposure at no extra cost.
This concept also relates to how you run your business: Always try to figure out how to give your customers something they can't find elsewhere, such as a children's play area at a restaurant.

Try The Old Faithfuls
Don't dismiss time-honored solutions that increase your company's community profile, such as sponsoring a charity event or outfitting a local little league team. You'll get your name out there, and that's what counts.

Copyright 2003 Ann Marie Rubertone

Ann Marie Rubertone is a marketing consultant & freelance writer. Her two newest booklets, "The One Page Marketing Plan" and "13 Household Items You Can Use To Market Your Business" tips for marketing on a shoestring budget that can make the difference between success and failure. Check It Out is a customer-driven marketing firm providing design, writing, editing, desktop publishing services, and hands-on marketing workshops for independent professionals and small businesses. For more information, contact Ann Marie Rubertone, Check It Out (772) 335-0073, Port St. Lucie, FL www.checkitoutinc.com cio@adelphia.net

---

Words that Sell

We all know the English language contains hundreds of thousands... Read More

5 Ways to Use Your Business Cards More Effectively

Contrary to popular belief, the best use of business cards... Read More

Why Your Business Need a Website

Web Presence gives your business a distince edge over your... Read More

Create a Blueprint for Your Success

Having a strong foundation enables you to build a thriving,... Read More

Marketing With Business Cards

Many businesses today overlook the importance of business cards as... Read More

Peddling Your Own Wagon Through Local Exposure

In my e-book "Articles That Sell", I've shared the secret... Read More

Marketing Secrets #101- Your Most Important Sale

Which sale is the most important one you will ever... Read More

Avoid These 5 Web Site Blunders!

The Web is intended to help people find information quickly... Read More

The Benefits of a Marketing Plan

What is a Marketing Plan? Marketing is to do with... Read More

How Much Is Your Popcorn Worth? Powerful Lessons In Marketing & The Psychology Of Selling ? Part 6

How Much Is Your Popcorn Worth?: Powerful Lessons In Marketing... Read More

Making Networking Work

Several years ago, "networking" was the hot buzzword. Everyone was... Read More

How Much Is Your Popcorn Worth? Powerful Lessons In Marketing & The Psychology Of Selling - Part 1

In the following 'special report,' I will reveal some very... Read More

How To Start A Mail Order Business

The Mail Order business is not a business of itself,... Read More

The Real Path To Big Bucks On The Internet!

"Instead Of Wasting Time Trying To Hit The Lottery Of... Read More

FREE Means MORE Business

Why give freebies?We have all seen freebies at trade shows... Read More

Five Deadly Small Business Marketing Mistakes

Here are some marketing mistakes that take a heavy toll... Read More

Turbo-Charge Your Viral Marketing- Five Easy Ways

The world of marketing has changed. With increasingly better educated... Read More

Marketing The Real You

I often wonder how the practice began of pretending to... Read More

One-Two-Three Punch Marketing

Printed material is just as important today as it was... Read More

Modern Marketing With Postcards

Postcards may be one of the best kept secrets of... Read More

Creating Your Own Lead Capture Pages

Having a downline can be golden. A downline is a... Read More

Let It Ring

Telemarketing has its place in the marketing arsenal. But telespammers... Read More

15 Commandments Of Creating A Wealth Pulling Niche

Niches are like bathrooms; you never notice them until you... Read More

Rising Postal Rates? Don?t Cut Down the Direct Mail

The United States Post Office in the past had some... Read More

How to Tie a Tie and How To Kiss - What Do They Have In Common?

How to Tie a Tie and How To Kiss -... Read More

Using Purchased Leads

A little advice about using leads that you purchase from... Read More

Does Your Marketing Pass This 10-Point Test?

Good marketing, whatever form it takes, always meets certain criteria.... Read More

Non-Aggressive Marketing Ideas for Enterpreneurs

Do you cringe at the thought of trying to promote... Read More

Building Credibility for Your Business

Small companies that rely on business-to-business sales often find it... Read More

Identify The Ideal Target Audience With These 5 Tips

Narrowing your focus to one primary group of people is... Read More

Marketing to Success on a ZERO Budget

TOP 10 TIPS TO GET YOU MARKETING TO SUCCESS ON... Read More

Unique Marketing Ideas That Generate Cash!

First of all - keep in touch with your customers!... Read More

25 Ways To Make Your Next Direct Mail Campaign Work

This list contains 25 powerful strategies to improve your direct... Read More