The Tri-State's Largest Internet Marketing & Website Design Company
This past week we had three clients come to us and ask about marketing their business. They all asked one question, "How can I get more business?" My answer was, "Let's look at what you are doing today inside your business." This surprised them. They were expecting some grand internet marketing scheme involving their websites. (Although our niche is internet marketing we can assist businesses in all aspects of their marketing plan.) Our philosophy is business owners need to approach marketing from a wholistic approach. They first need to look at their target market, then at all marketing avenues available to reach their market(s). Should internet marketing be part of that plan? In most cases, yes, but in all but very few cases it should not be the complete plan.
Every marketing professor will tell you that it is easier to get more business from a current customer than to get a new one. It is also easier to use an existing customer base to bring in new customers than to cold call. Since all three have established businesses with regular customers, this is the platform we started building on.
Our first plan for them was to begin in-store promotions. First, we need to make the existing customer base return more often and second we need them to bring a friend. Thirdly we need the customers to spend more money while doing the actions above. But the kicker is, we don't want to give away profits. Unfortunately, most marketing plans do involve money of some sort. Even time is money. So our goal was to develop ideas that would not cost too much, but provide big bang for the buck.
Here is the marketing plan we devised for them. (Yes, we are giving the idea away for free!) The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun. That is true, hence the core idea is not my idea (it comes from a resaurant in Los Angeles) but we have modified it to fit the criteria mentioned above. Have an on-going contest. Develop a list of prizes ranging from simple to grandiose. Of course, as in all contests, we're going to give away more simple than grand. The list can include small items to large items as well as services. If your business employs contractors, such as a hair salon, be sure to include everyone. Make up winner cards and put one item on each card. Insert the cards into brightly colored, non-see through envelopes. Print, "DO NOT OPEN. You must bring this envelope back to [business name] by [date] and open in the presence of the manager (or contractor if the case)." Be sure to write a date on the envelope that is sooner than the customer normally returns. Having the customer return to claim the prize gets them into the business again. This fulfills the goal of encouraging customers to return more often. Make sure the customer is aware of all the prizes they can win, and every envelope wins something. As they leave from the return visit, be sure to give them another envelope! One word of caution here. There are always customers who come in after the date on the envelope and expect you to honor the prize, or they will open the envelope at home. DO NOT AWARD THE PRIZE! Instead, give them another envelope for a future date.
Now for the goal of increasing the customer base. Let's use the same idea as above. Give the customer a second envelope. Write the customer's name and phone number on it and provide the instructions, "Give this second envelope to a friend who has never been here before. If they bring this envelope by the date written on it, then both of you will win the prize inside." When the new customer comes in, if the old customer is not with them, call the old customer on the phone so eveyone can be excited about opening the envelope together. This also notifies the old customer of winning a prize, who will now need to return to the business to claim that prize. We've just achieved another visit!
Here is one more thought. Since we do not want to give away product or services needlessly, if you have a customer who is a regular and you cannot really increase their number of visits, then only supply them with the "friend's" envelope.
I hope this marketing idea helps you in your business. Although Wiregrass Advertising, Inc. is not providing prizes right now, if you need a website, graphic design or know of someone who does, contact us today. We'll be glad to provide a free intial consultation to see how we can improve your business.
Keywords: noneI have always tried to operate my business as ethically as possible and encourage every employee to uphold the same values in both their personal lives and dealings with our clients. I believe I will answer to God one day for every action undertaken.
A couple times each year we receive phone calls from potential clients asking us if we will do “adult websites” or other sites of a questionable nature. I have always turned them down quoting the line that we are a “family oriented business.” But sometimes we receive requests for “grey-area” websites, like bars or clubs. This week I was approached and asked to create a site for a well-known local club. The offer was cash upfront and an advertising deal both inside the club and on TV. I am aware that this offer was too good to refuse. The club is well-known and draws customers from a very wide area. The deal had the potential to bring us in some good business while helping the club out of a bad situation too. This was a win-win for both companies. I have to admit, I took a few minutes to think it over. I came up with some really good justifications to accept the deal, especially in these economic times. My company is responsible for putting groceries on the tables of four families... Some economists predict worse times ahead... I can use all the help I can get… But I kept coming back to this point: Is it RIGHT? If the website is advertising somewhere I believe it is wrong to go to, is it RIGHT to assist the establishment in its deeds by helping them advertise? How would I feel in my heart the next time I prayed to God? “Backbone” is standing firm on your principles despite everything happening around you. Yes, I had many justifications to take on this new client, but backbone said, “No.” And I believe God honors backbone when the principles stood on are Biblical and the actions are performed in a proper attitude. I don’t know if God will bring in more business and make everything smooth in times ahead, but it really does not matter. I can live with myself and that is also “Backbone.”Keywords: noneOur clients often ask us to consider providing additional services of one type or another. We always carefully weigh the pros and cons and then make a decision based on our overall market strategy and mission statement.
One item that has repeatedly been requested is the ability to print brochures, business cards and other items to go along with our client's newly designed or redesigned websites. As we have grown larger and have had the ability to add additional staff we decided that 2009 will be the year to branch out into the graphic design and printing field. The first of February we invested in various pieces of printing equipment and began offering small-run graphic design and printing. Since then we have averaged two business card customers per day and are slowly picking up additional poster and graphic work. After operating "in-house" successfully for two months we are now ready to take the business online. Introducing our printing website- PrintInEnterprise.com! Local clients can order or re-order printing online and either come by our office to pick up the items or we will deliver them. Non-local customers can have the items sent priority mail. We are offering 500 business cards for $14.99. With a standard 24 hour turn-around after proof and priority mail shipping, clients can have their business cards in 24 to 72 hours or slightly more if the mail is slow. Graphic design of posters and signs may take a little longer depending on size and complexity. Stop by our new website, PrintInEnterprise.com and order some business cards and / or graphic work today!Keywords: none