7 FAST, Low-cost Revenue-Generating Marketing Tips
by: Sharron Senter

I’m a passionate believer that marketing your business should be fun and inexpensive. Throughout my 12 years of helping businesses increase their sales and revenue, I continue to see a steady trend -- the most successful marketing ideas typically are the least expensive ones. Each year hundreds of companies spend millions of dollars on traditional advertising such as television and radio. I say, “Save your money!” Instead, start implementing the following low-cost revenue-generating marketing tactics. Now go and make some money, and remember, spend very little!

Answer Your Phone Differently
Try announcing a special offer when you answer the phone. For example you could say, “Good morning, this is Sharron with Senter & Associates; ask me about my special marketing offer.” The caller is compelled to ask about the offer. Sure, many companies have recorded messages that play when you’re tied up in a queue, but who do you know that has a live message? I certainly haven’t heard of anyone. Make sure your offer is aggressive and increase your caller’s urgency by including a not-so-distant expiration date.

Include A Special Offer On All Invoices
Every time you mail an invoice, invite your customer to take advantage of a special offer when they make another purchase within a specific time period. Or, at the very least, educate your customer about a new product or service.

For example, you’re a painter and you’ve just completed painting the exterior of your customer’s house. On your invoice, offer your customer a 15% discount when they reserve your time for their next painting project and show commitment with a 25% deposit.

Use Signs
Signs are one of the most cost-effective marketing tools that push impulse buying behavior. If you’re a retail establishment, your windows should have signs that create urgency and stimulate passersby to come in. At the very least, you should have a sign that begins, “buy today and receive.” Use signs inside your establishment too. For example, if you’re a tax accountant, but also offer retirement planning services, then display a professional sign in your waiting room promoting your other services.

Make News!
Reporters and editors love food. Get to know your local newspaper editor and industry (beat) reporter by inviting them to lunch. Send a note positioning yourself as an expert they can call upon for a quote when a story develops around your expertise. An article with your quote written by a third party brings a lot more credibility than any paid advertisement. If you don't know who covers your industry, watch what reporters write about, or call and ask the news desk.

Stick It!
Use stickers, stamps and handwritten notes on all of your direct mail efforts and day-to-day business mail.

Recently, I received a paycheck from the college where I teach. On the check was a florescent pink sticker (1" X 2") with black copy that read, "Have you volunteered to help out at the Aviation Heritage Festival yet? Call Kelly at (000)-000-0000 today!" I couldn't help notice this sticker. Plus, I've never seen anyone sticker a paycheck; what a great idea! (Try a sticker on an invoice.)

Remember, when you put a sticker or handwritten message on the outside of an envelope, it has the impact of a miniature billboard. People read it first; however, the message should be short and concise so it can be read in less than 10 seconds.

Include A Special Offer In Your Email Signature
Your email signature could read, "Robert M. Smith, commercial real estate broker specializing in leasing Boston properties 5000 sq. ft. and larger. Special Offer: Enlist me as your leasing agent by 0/00/00 and I'll waive 10% of my fee."

Send A Second Offer To Your Customers Immediately After They’ve Purchased
Your customer just purchased a sweater from your clothing shop. Send a handwritten note to your customer thanking them for their business and informing them that upon their return with “this note” they may take advantage of a private offer, such as 20% off their next purchase. To create urgency, remember to include an expiration date.
 

 

About The Author
Sharron Senter is a New England-based marketing consultant, speaker, writer and founder of Senter & Associates, a marketing communications firm that helps small businesses deploy affordable online and offline marketing strategies. Sharron is well known for her free weekly emailed marketing tips, found at http://www.sharronsenter.com/fmt.htm. She's also the author of several marketing reports that illustrate affordable ways to grow a small or home-based business while spending very little, including “A Secret Marketing Weapon, How to Submit Expert Articles Online & Drive Qualified Leads to Your Inbox."