It’s good to have several methods of getting business through the door and depending on your particular business some methods may be more appropriate than others.
Joint Promotion with related but non competing businesses
A sort of you scratch my back I’ll scratch your approach – include another businesses promo material with yours in return for them doing the same for you.
Mail Outs and Postcards
Can be effective but keep the message short and sweet to catch attention, this is why postcards work so well.
Pamphlet Distribution
A cheap way to reach whole local audiences, get some exercise or use a paid distribution service.
Notice Boards
Community notice boards can be a great way to reach local customers. Ideal for work at home businesses.
Newspaper Ads and Classifieds
Cheaper than you might think, especially locally published newspapers.
Newsletters
Run an email list to cheaply keep previous clients informed of your latest services or discounts. Encourage them to tell others with an incentive to tell a friend.
Seminars or Other Events
Is your business something that might be of say hobby business to others? For instance if your business is in say, needle craft, you might be able to promote it by offering classes.
Website Advertising
Almost any business can use the website channel to offer your services. Include your website address in your outgoing emails, stationery etc. Get a sign made for your car!
Whatever methods you choose should be rotated and changed often. Remember your goal is to catch the attention of potential customers and people easily become blind to advertising messages that they have seen before, so for example if you go with newspaper advertising be sure to change the ad format and message from time to time.
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