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FIVE EASY AND INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS. Elaine Regus ERPR www.erpr.biz. 1. 30-Second Sound Bite. Response to “What do you do?” I nformally written and memorized Tailor it to your target customers Focus on benefits you provide your customers Include your business name
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FIVE EASY AND INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Elaine RegusERPRwww.erpr.biz
1. 30-Second Sound Bite • Response to “What do you do?” • Informally written and memorized • Tailor it to your target customers • Focus on benefits you provide your customers • Include your business name • Include the main product or service you provide
30-Second Sound Bite Cont. • Avoid big words, technical words, jargon or slang. • Make the tone conversational. • Once you write it, make sure you use it at every opportunity. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel saying it. • Use it to start a dialogue not a monologue.
2. Create a Website • Websites today are as common as business cards. • Many online web hosts offer step-by-stepinstructions to help you design your own website using a few easy tools for just a few dollars a month. • http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com; www.godaddy.com; www.citymax.com; www.homestead.com; www.quickbizsites.com
Domain Name • Start by choosing a domain name. • Shorter is better. • Use your business name if it is availabl.e • If not, try for an abbreviated version or something close.
Basic Website Content • Home page; About Us; Products or Services and Contact Us • Optional pages: Case Studies; Testimonials; Portfolio; Newsletter; Company History • Keep it simple and uncluttered. • Aim at your target customers. • Focus on benefits instead of services. • Include your business name, logo, tagline if you have one, address, phone number, fax number and email address on every page.
Home Page • Introduce yourself. • Pick three main benefits your company provides. • Briefly describe how each one can improve your customers’ lives or businesses. • Use informal, conversational language • Speak to the customer.
Products/Services Page • Describe your three main products and/or services. • Include product photos. • Give the customer a reason to get excited about your products or services. • Tell them the one thing special about your business that sets you apart from the competition.
Contact Us Page • Tells potential customers how to reach you to place an order or for more information. • Always include a Call to Action. • Calls to Action can be simple: Call today or Visit our store. • Offer potential customers a benefit such as a discount, a free product or a booklet. • Make sure to include: your business name, logo, tag line if you have one; address; phone number; fax number and email address.
3. Write a Media Release • Media releases help promote your business, reinforce your legitimacy and attract new customers. • News can include: Grand opening; New product or service; Changes in location or products; Website launch; Awards/recognition; New hires; Hosting an event • Include: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, How Much and Why Should I Care.
Writing Tips • Keep it simple and direct. • Limit it to one page. • Good quality photos increase the odds that your release will get published. • Include all contact information. • Be newsy, not salesy.
Release Distribution • Your own website, newsletter or blog • Facebook and LinkedIn • Email • Free online media release distribution sites • Local newspapers • Magazines • Trade publications • Business journals • Association newsletters
4. Email Marketing • It’s cheaper than direct mail, newspaper, radio or TV ads. • A variety of companies like Constant Contact help you design professional-looking emails at very low cost. • Keep it simple and brief. • Personalize it to the individual customer. • Subject line needs to be catchy.
Email Marketing Types • Newsletters • Promotions • Events • Coupons • Specials
5. Networking • Always have your business card handy • Make sure friends, family and people you meet socially know what you do. • Marketing Expos • Chamber of Commerce events • Networking is a two-way street • Use it to build relationships • Work it!
Finally • If you’re still intimidated by the process or don’t think you have the time for these do-it-yourself techniques, contact a professional writer, graphic artist or website designer. • Their services are tax deductible. • The benefits are priceless!