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February 2010 Newsletter Follow Us:
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 New Business Marketing for 2010(The Shoestring Budget)How do you let the whole world know all about the amazing business you've just started? The answer is: You don't. The WHOLE WORLD doesn't need to know about your business -- just your target market. If you've never heard this before and you're just starting your own business, I assure you that you'll hear it a million more times. The number one rule in marketing is to know your target audience. This knowledge alone will save you unnecessary spending of your valuable marketing dollars. And let's face it, every dollar counts. Starting a small business is no small venture, with all sorts of start-up costs, business filings, licensing and permit fees coming your way. When you're making your business checklist of anticipated expenditures, don't forget to add Marketing costs. There are, of course, areas where you should spare no expense. Using quality materials, paper and products for your business cards, brochures, press kits and other print materials says a lot about you. Which business card would you pull out of the file for services, the one in black and while on cardstock or the professionally designed card, printed on heavy, glossy paper with 3-color ink? Make sure your message is clear. Clients should be able to tell exactly what your service offers, how it will benefit them and why they should choose you. If you need to hire a good copywriter to get that message across, it's worth the investment. Now, the good news: Although marketing is on the expense list, it doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some low-budget marketing ideas that can produce high volume results. Some are obvious, others are outside the box. Use what works for you. 1. Establish a website. There are plenty of web hosts with easy to operate software that can help you set up your own site. If you're not comfortable with that, it's worth the investment in a web designer. Try to create a memorable URL. 2. Social media. If you aren't Linked-In, tweeting, on Facebook and YouTube, sign up for every one of them today. There are a lot of features on these sites that can really propel small business exposure. For example, on Facebook, you're better off having a Business Fan Page than a regular Business Account. Hire a social media instructor if you want to learn the ropes of social media fast. 3. Put a face to your name. Post a photo of yourself on your site, print it on your business cards and other literature. 4. Make your company visible. Put your company name/logo on your vehicle or on your license plate. 5. Brag. Post testimonials on your website and print them in your literature. Previous satisfied clients are your best advertising. 6. Speaking of previous clients...??? Focus on them. Successful companies know that repeat customers account for a significant percentage of business. The CEO of Zappos.com, which has 11 million customers, estimates that 75% of their orders are repeat customers; so they take most of the money they would have spent on marketing and put it into the customer experience. You can do this by keeping previous customers updated on promotions, updates, new offerings, etc. 7. Joint ventures. Partner with other businesses to cross-promote offerings or share contact lists. Distribute materials, such as brochures and coupons, through these other businesses. You'll pay a percentage of the sales you make through them, but you'll increase your exposure and build your contact list as well. 8. Cause marketing. Contribute to a charitable cause, if possible, one that is somehow tied to what your business offers. This can not only give your business tremendous exposure, but by giving back to the community, buyers feel good about doing business with you. Disney is doing a form of cause marketing right now, offering free days at their park to those who do charitable work at participating organizations. 9. Keep people informed. Publish and distribute a newsletter to your existing contacts. 10. Know your audience. Know which social media your target audience uses. For example, young teens don't email, they IM on FB or MySpace, or text on mobile media. 11. Direct mail. If you're sending an offer via snail mail, concentrate on the outside of the package as much as on what you’re enclosing. Make your envelope or package stand out by using colors, shapes or intriguing printed messages. 12. Join the club. Join your local Chamber of Commerce or other organizations. 13. Be diverse. Reach non-English speaking audiences by having your ads translated and published in relevant publications. 14. Share your story. Tell your story in your marketing materials if it's relevant to how you came to start your business. People are more inclined to do business with someone with whom they feel a personal connection. 15. Use resources. Buy a marketing book or attend a seminar. ...ohhh! and dont forget: When you're ready to start your business (incorporate, form an LLC, or file a dba) CorpNet can do ALL THE WORK starting at $49 plus state fees! I hope this helps. Good luck in your new business! Nellie Akalp, Co-Founder & CEO, CorpNet, Incorporated. Corpnet.com (c) Nellie Akalp and CorpNet, Incorporated 2010 - All Rights Reserved About the Author
Currently, Mrs. Akalp is the CEO & Founder of CorpNet, Incorporated, her second legal document filing service company based on the simple philosophy of truth in business and her sincere passion/desire to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in America get their business off the ground in a fast, reliable, and affordable manner. Mrs. Akalp is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the business and frequently authors much of the content published at www.CorpNet.com. NO LEGAL ADVICE: CorpNet, Incorporated is NOT A LAW FIRM and cannot provide you with legal advice. In addition, Philip K. Akalp is only licensed to practice law in California. Furthermore, by publishing this article, NO SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP has been created between you and Philip K. Akalp; no attorney-client privilege exists. This document is intended to provide GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. Before making the decision to Incorporate or Form an LLC, or any other decision regarding your business or its tax liability, please contact a Licensed Attorney or Certified Public Accountant in your jurisdiction. |
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Nellie Akalp graduated magna cum laude from the University of
La Verne, College of Law in 1999 where she obtained her Juris
Doctorate Degree. She also served on the school's Law Review
for three consecutive years. Mrs. Akalp brings significant
experience to the legal document filing industry, having
founded several document filing companies in the past,
including