Xerox shares ten tips for marketing in a challenging economy. When it comes to marketing, you do not need a big budget to make an impact and drive new business.
1. Grassroots marketing
One of the easiest and oldest ways to elevate your company’s visibility is by getting people to talk about what you do. Start by joining industry associations, business bureaus and any other relevant groups. Volunteer to speak about your business and build your network. Many companies are also using social media and starting company Facebook and Twitter pages.
2. Stay connected to customers
Even though your budget may be lean, it is important to stay top of mind with your customers. Some of the most common ways include publishing an email newsletter, creating surveys and developing a website. The key is to maintain a healthy dialogue with your most valuable customers through a series of ongoing communications.
3. Meet the press
Successful companies try to build relationships with the press to gain visibility. Start by creating a press kit with your company brochure, fact sheet and history. Make contact with your local business journal or newspaper and send press releases about important company news and industry events. Having a positive story published about your business is free and a great marketing tool.
4. Total customer service
Focus on your clients. It sounds simple enough, but it means establishing a rigorous level of service. Return calls promptly and refer customers to colleagues when you are not available. Help your customers by sending out email tips, or dedicate part of your website to client needs. Make sure it is easy to contact you and your company.
5. New advertising
Develop new approaches to advertising such as creating a new or improved logo, getting a memorable phone number, and launching a microsite with a unique URL. Learn how to use search marketing and ad words on the major search engines to drive traffic to your website. Make sure you include your web address, email and slogan consistently on all marketing materials — including email signatures. Now you are ready to start marketing your company and attracting new customers.
6. Target your market
Make sure you are up to date on the latest industry trends and developments and keep a file with competitive intelligence. If you are directly competing for the same customers, find out new ways to talk about your product and present a unique value proposition that differentiates your business.
7. Build your brand
The key to growth is to constantly innovate and create new products and services for your customers. Use the tips that have been outlined to promote your new offerings and generate industry buzz. The goal is to keep things fresh, so your customers see progress and feel they are working with a leader in the market.
8. Create a strategy and dedicated team
It is important to establish a team dedicated to marketing and public relations — either internally or through an external agency. Create a plan with realistic short and long-term marketing goals to attract new customers and grow your market share. It is crucial to create an overall strategy with tactical plans to accomplish your goals.
9. Know your budget
How much are you currently spending on marketing? How much can you afford to spend? Determine what you can do in-house, and what needs to be contracted out. Create a budget that matches your strategy, and try to establish an ongoing presence in the market through monthly advertising and communications.
10. Think marketing
Sometimes the greatest marketing ideas are the simplest. To that end, each month or quarter try and think of new and unique ways you can promote your company. Keep a file of good ideas, direct mail samples, great adverts and other information. Each quarter, use this information to brainstorm new ways to help your company gain visibility and drive new business.
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