DGCHOST
12-30-2005, 10:41 PM
All to often, online businesses forget about the vast opportunities available right at home in their local community. Never overlook this market!
Local Community Newspapers
Chances are that your local newspaper has a “business directory” section where you can display a small business card sized ad at a very affordable rate. I’ve seen prices as low as $10 per week! This is a great way to promote your brand in your local area.
You may also want to create a special promotion only available to your local community. Advertise this promotion with a display ad and you’ll be delighted at the response. I’ve seen a quarter page display ad that costs under $200 generate over $1000 in new revenues!
You can also utilize classified advertising in your local newspaper for only pennies a day! Yes, people do read the classifieds. Make sure to add BOLD TEXT to your title to increase the visibility of your message.
Trade Shows
Trade shows are one of the best ways to generate new business. To get a booth at a trade show or convention might cost anywhere from $100 to $1000. You will have the opportunity to personally promote your brand face to face to thousands of potential clients who are actually interested in your products or services. This kind of face to face contact is priceless!
Hold a Seminar
It sounds strange but seminars are fantastic ways to promote your business and to promote the fact that you are a true professional with extensive knowledge in your line of business. Someone they can trust! Make sure that all of your marketing materials promote your brand at every chance. Plus, you can charge a small registration fee to offset the cost of the room and pay for your time.
Example: A web site development firm might want to host a 1 hour seminar on “creating a successful online presence” or “Generating additional sales online”. A small conference room that holds 50 - 60 people might cost about $350 (including light refreshments). If you charge $10 and get a turn out of 50, you would generate $500.00 (Leaving you with $150 profit). Plus, that’s 50 business owners that have a very good change to actually become a paying client!
Check with your local chamber of commerce for upcoming business seminars and events that you can take part in. You might also want to join your local chamber of commerce. Many times, members will only do business with other members so it’s a great market to tap into.
Local Community Newspapers
Chances are that your local newspaper has a “business directory” section where you can display a small business card sized ad at a very affordable rate. I’ve seen prices as low as $10 per week! This is a great way to promote your brand in your local area.
You may also want to create a special promotion only available to your local community. Advertise this promotion with a display ad and you’ll be delighted at the response. I’ve seen a quarter page display ad that costs under $200 generate over $1000 in new revenues!
You can also utilize classified advertising in your local newspaper for only pennies a day! Yes, people do read the classifieds. Make sure to add BOLD TEXT to your title to increase the visibility of your message.
Trade Shows
Trade shows are one of the best ways to generate new business. To get a booth at a trade show or convention might cost anywhere from $100 to $1000. You will have the opportunity to personally promote your brand face to face to thousands of potential clients who are actually interested in your products or services. This kind of face to face contact is priceless!
Hold a Seminar
It sounds strange but seminars are fantastic ways to promote your business and to promote the fact that you are a true professional with extensive knowledge in your line of business. Someone they can trust! Make sure that all of your marketing materials promote your brand at every chance. Plus, you can charge a small registration fee to offset the cost of the room and pay for your time.
Example: A web site development firm might want to host a 1 hour seminar on “creating a successful online presence” or “Generating additional sales online”. A small conference room that holds 50 - 60 people might cost about $350 (including light refreshments). If you charge $10 and get a turn out of 50, you would generate $500.00 (Leaving you with $150 profit). Plus, that’s 50 business owners that have a very good change to actually become a paying client!
Check with your local chamber of commerce for upcoming business seminars and events that you can take part in. You might also want to join your local chamber of commerce. Many times, members will only do business with other members so it’s a great market to tap into.