Marketing

**Daphne** · 04-10-2005, 04:34 PM

I'm in a slump and would love to hear your suggestions on marketing your small business (for those of you who have one) or ideas from others . I'm working on creating a flyer or brochure to mail out to clients but I just feel like I'm in a slump and can't get motivated. What have you done in the past or what do you think would work?

**AmyBoz** · 04-10-2005, 04:48 PM

Daphne, That is tough! Motivation is hard to find sometimes. Is there any small, new service you could offer your clients that you would enjoy that you could be announcing? Like a spring special?

Or, if you really can't get motivated to make the flyer, think what will happen if you don't and you lose all of your clients! (Only if we need to get drastic, of course!)

**PrairieRose** · 04-10-2005, 05:28 PM

The most cost effective form of advertising that we have ever used (although it's not cheap) is a radio ad. You might check with your local station and see if they offer a small, special, pkg. deal. I kid you not that when we advertised our grand opening clearance sale on the radio within minutes our store was full of people with fists full of cash. Dh still uses the radio ads for his business. But you have to put out some cash for it.

**Sara Noel** · 04-10-2005, 07:42 PM

I'd do a consistent ad program in a local pennysaver if you have one.

Sometimes, it's not about getting the business today, but having your name in their minds when they do need that type of business.

Consider joining or volunteering for your local chamber of commerce and look for networking opportunities there.

Do you have a listing in the printed yellow pages?

**Mommy2five** · 04-11-2005, 03:18 AM

Word of mouth! Tell everyone you know to tell everyone they know! I think the radio idea mentioned above is a good idea too.

**Kat27** · 04-11-2005, 08:40 AM

If there is a local school or other organization having some type of fundraising event donate a service, that would get your name out to people.

Create a press release to submit to your local paper.

**Daphne** · 04-11-2005, 10:06 AM

Well I have gotten motivated to get started on my marketing. I have been working very hard on a brochure (thanks to my mom and dad for proof reading it all for me) and I should be ready to send it out soon. Thank you for all your advice.