This article will give you the beginning marketing ideas you need to begin your small business.

You need to bring in business to make your company thrive. It is not necessary to spend a fortune on marketing a small business. Just put your brain to work thinking of a few catchy ideas. Once you think of and write down one idea, others will flow freely. Soon you will have a long list of ideas. Here are a few to start:

  • Use direct mail postcard advertising to catch people’s attention
  • Offer a 10 percent discount when a customer mentions the postcard
  • Keep a database of customer contact information in order to resend marketing offers
  • Send another offer or advertisement quickly after a purchase
  • Offer a product or service as a prize in a community promotion
  • Always add a deadline date on coupon or prize promotions
Read more in Small Business
« Top 10 Craft Show Vendor Mistakes
A Unique Small Business Idea for Those Who Love People and Cars »

You want to grab people’s attention and hold it. Offer a product or service that people want-then they will decide they NEED it. In one small ad, coupon or sales letter, let them know you want their business and will do what it takes to get it.

Think about testimonials-you get one every time someone tells you they like your product or service. Make sure you get their permission to use their words and identification. The next step is to put their words on your website as proof of a satisfied customer. Identification adds to the fact that a real person is talking.

If pricing is the problem and you cannot convince people your product is the better deal, try another avenue. Keep your original product or service the way it is, then offer a smaller version at a cheaper price. Continue to build up the advertising of the original and point out that it has more features (list them where they stand out).

Practice customer appreciation and give your dedicated customers an extra opportunity. Have a special sale, percentage of savings or even a product reserved for repeat customers. Base the qualifying criteria on those who have bought over a certain amount of products or services in the past year.

Put your love of your business into your marketing communications. Prospective clients will notice your sincerity and passion. Join and promote professional organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce. This alignment will show clients can trust you.

Sources:

http://www.marketing.about.com

http://www.marketingsurvivalkit.com

http://www.businessknowhow.com

http://www.gomarketingmaven.com