10 Ways to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Marketing Buck
Business Marketing Tips

You can get more customers through your doors without spending your entire budget on marketing and advertising by implementing these 10 low-cost marketing techniques. While they may take some time and effort, they will definitely save you money and provide valuable results.

1. Make use of all marketing opportunities.

Mail sale announcements with your customer statements as a way of cost-effective direct marketing. Include sales information on your business cards, and perhaps offer a discount or other special offer on the card as well. Organise sign writing in a prominent position on your vehicle with your name, contact number and a strong reason to call.

2. Get big results in your local newspaper with small ads.

You may be put off by print advertising because of perceived high costs, but you don’t need to publish a half page ad to get results. Running a small advertisement regularly can provide great results.

Classifieds can provide great exposure to a ready-to-buy market. Make the most of your classified ad by providing a quick tip, offering a special offer, or giving some other strong reason to respond.

3. Get others to do the advertising for you.

Your customers can be a huge asset when it comes to marketing your business. Word-of-mouth advertising and testimonials from satisfied customers will be taken far more seriously by the public than your own claims of quality, service and value.

4. Contribute to your local newspaper.

Gain credibility for your business and reach a wide audience by generating free publicity about your business. Organise an event or write something newsworthy about your products, your business or industry for your local newspaper. Remember, it must be newsworthy and not just a product flog if you want newspaper editors to print it.

5. Share marketing costs with a complementary business.

Join forces with a local company providing a complementary service to market your products or services. For example, if your business conducts local tours, advertise a special offer with a nearby hotel. If you sell local fresh produce, team up with your local growers and advertise together. Try focusing on strengths such as locally grown, organic foods.

6. Use email, fax and the web.

You can use these methods to conduct targeted marketing effectively. Marketing through electronic options is cheaper and allows you to measure your results easily. You need to be careful however that you do not clog the fax machines and inboxes of your potential customers as you will just become annoying. Provide a real benefit such as making a special offer or discount for a response.

Why not consider sending a regular newsletter via email and make it available on your website.

7. Frequent buyer programs and discount gift vouchers.

Don't just give away your profits by mass distributing discount coupons like some of the home delivery pizza businesses. Create a sense of value by allowing customers to win or earn coupons, just like a frequent buyer program. You could also sell discounted gift vouchers as a way of raising instant funds for further advertising.

8. Use that personal touch.

Just say thank you with a quick call after making a sale. Congratulate potential and existing customers when they receive a promotion at work, buy a new car or home or receive an award or other recognition. Send birthday, anniversary and/or Christmas cards. Visit your customers at their premises and show that you are interested in them and their business. Even the smallest personal touch will leave a lasting impression with your customers.

9. Conduct cost-effective market research.

Find out how your customers and potential customers view your products and services by handing out questionnaires to customers, or asking them a few questions over the phone after their purchase. Keep an eye on your competition by purchasing their products and read trade and industry magazines that relate to your business.

10. Become your own ad agency.

If you’re aiming to advertise in magazines, on the radio or TV, set up your own “in-house marketing agency” simply by printing some stationery and then setting up an account. This way, you’ll qualify for any agency discounts.