BIG Ways to Promote Your Small Business

Unique ways to promote your business; if you're just getting started in your venture, this is a must read. Maybe, you're already off to a great start, you can still benefit from these ideas. Read on for unique ways to maximize your publicity and get increased traffic!

MAGNETIC CAR SIGNS
Purchase magnetic sheets at any retailer that sells specialty paper, and print these on your computer. Include your business name, company slogan or logo, company phone number, e-mail address and your company's website. Place these on your vehicle while you're out doing errands. People are keen to visual stimulation and will notice this advertisement. For more impact, use bright primary colors and bold writing. These are also easy to remove whenever you feel the need.

CUSTOMIZED ITEMS
Use the curiosity of people to promote. When you see someone who has a shirt, hat, coffee cup, pen, or note pads just to name a few, that has something written on it, you become curious and read it. BINGO! Have these items printed with your company's information on them. People are naturally curious by nature; use it to your advantage.

BUSINESS CARDS
I know, it sounds elementary. However, this is a very important step in increasing your traffic. Have business cards printed with your company's information, you can even print your own if you want to. Here's the key...Don't just let them sit around. Most business owners make up business cards and leave them in a holder on the desk in the office. Get out in the public and make sure you have ample stock of printed business cards available. Whenever you run into a friend or acquaintances give them your business cards. Out at a social gathering? Now would be the perfect time, to introduce yourself and tell the person a little about your business and offer them a card for future reference. Chances are they'll at least be curious and view your website, give them a few extras for their friends or acquaintances and keep the ball rolling.

FLYERS AND A FREEBIE
I recently needed to increase my traffic. Thinking long and hard about what I could do. It came to me...everyone loves to get something free. Here's what to do to make it work. Print up a very high amount of flyers. Keep in mind to use bright primary colors, an interesting design, bold print and your company's information. Go to the supermarket and buy a box of individually wrapped tea bags, or single serve instant coffee packets. Attach these to your flyers and pass them out to anyone that you come in contact with. Inviting them to relax and learn more about your business. Go to the local supermarket or store and put these flyers on people's windshields. Put them in people's mailboxes or doors. However you choose to give them out, just do it. People love freebies, no matter how small. .

CREATE A MEDIA BUZZ
You need to create something that will grab the attention of the media. Have a local band play in front of your business, have contests or giveaways for people in attendance, pass out informational pamphlets to people. Grab the attention of the local news and radio media. Be sure to get the word out, by planning ahead of time and promoting this special event to everyone you know, using flyers, word-of-mouth, contacts, e-mail and any other way you can. If you create enough buzz the media will definitely be interested in what's going on in the community.

LOCAL PARADES
Make a float for your business and a big banner with your company's information on it, to promote your business. Pass out your customized items for even more promotion. People love getting things at parades. Think about kids at the parades that enjoy gathering candy as someone from the float throws it. This is an absolute favorite and not a very difficult way of introducing your business.

MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
In all your advertisements offer potential clients a money-back guarantee on services or products. Most companies will refrain from doing this. This is a way that eases the mind of the client and express that you stand behind your products or services offered. The majority of people will not ask for their money back, unless it truly is a terrible job. This will strongly motivate people to purchase your products or use the services that you offer. It also gives you something to "brag" about that other businesses may not offer.

Marketing and promotion is a critical step in ensuring a great start for your business ventures. Promoting your business can be fun, rewarding and will increase your publicity, so that you get more potential customers. These are just a few ideas to get you started on the path of small business ownership and promotion. I wish you well in all your business ventures. Happy Promoting!