Below is a list of DIY Marketing ideas you can start using within your business ASAP. If you need assistance in how to create a marketing action plan see our DIY Marketing for Small Business Owners post.
Customer Service and Customer Relations
- Ask your clients to come back again – use a teaser or a promotion.
- Return phone calls promptly.
- Use an answering machine or voice mail system to catch after-hours phone calls. Include basic information in your outgoing messages such a business hours, location, etc.
- Record a memorable message or tip of the day on your outgoing answering machine or voice mail message.
- Ask clients what you can do the help them.
- Send handwritten thank you notes.
- Send birthday cards and appropriate seasonal greetings – handwritten of course.
- Photocopy interesting articles and send them to clients and prospects with a hand-written FYI note and your business card.
- Send a book of interest or other appropriate business gift to a client with a handwritten note.
- Create an area on your Web site specifically for your customers.
Media Relations/PR
- Create a media list with updated details and send out press releases
- Write a column for the local newspaper, local business journal, or trade publication.
- Publish an article online
- Subscribe to Sourcebottle.com.au for media alerts relevant to your industry
- Publicize your 500th client of the year (or other notable milestone).
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or trade magazine and ask what types of stories they would like to know about
- Get a publicity photo taken and enclose with press releases.
- Create a press kit and keep its contents current.
Networking and Word of Mouth
- Join a Chamber of Commerce or other organization.
- Create your own affiliations.
- Mail a brochure to members of organizations to which you belong.
- Host a party and open house.
- Ask clients to refer you to someone.
- Ask for client testimonials to place on your website and collateral
Advertising
- Obtain a memorable and relevant URL and email address and include them on all marketing materials.
- Advertise in a specialty directory - see 10 free directory listings to get you started
- Code your ads and keep records of results.
- Create a friendly bumper sticker for your car.
- Invest in a neon sign to make your office or storefront window visible at night.
Promotions
- Promote your business jointly with other professionals via cooperative direct mail.
- Mail bumps - photos, samples, and other innovative items to your prospect list. (A bump is simply anything that makes the mailing envelope bulge and makes the recipient curious about what's in the envelope!)
- Create a direct mail list of hot prospects.
Special Events and Outreach
- Get a booth at a fair/trade show attended by your target market.
- Sponsor or host a special event or open house at your business location in cooperation with a local non-profit organization, such as a women's business center. Describe how the organization helped you.
- Give a speech or volunteer for a career day at a high school.
- Teach a class or seminar at a local working group or adult education center.
- Donate your product or service to a charity auction.
- Appear on a panel at a professional seminar.
Online Specific & Social Media
- Comment on blog posts and make sure your name links to your website.
- Participating in online forums.
- Start reviewing your website analytics.
- Develop productive relationships through social media.
- Is Twitter relevant for you?
- Should you start a blog - do you have the time?
- Facebook and Linkedin
- Clean up your e-mail signature and use it to your advantage
- Start a blog for your business using word press template (free)
What works for you when marketing your business?
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