More Marketing Tips For a Down Economy . . .

Here are several low-cost but effective marketing tips to help you find customers and generate sales quickly in todays market place...

1. Don't try To Advertise Like a Big Business
   Big businesses advertise to create name recognition and future sales. Little businesses can't afford to do that. Instead, we must design our advertising to produce sales ...now. Two step marketing will accomplish this by always including an educational teaser offer in your advertising - and an easy way for prospective customers to respond to it.
    
2. Offer a Lower Cost or "Value" Version
   Some prospective customers are not willing to pay the premium price for your service. They are more interested in paying a lower price than in getting your total service package. You can avoid losing sales to many of these customers by offering a stripped down or "Basic" version of your service at a lower price.
    
3. Offer a Higher Cost or "Premium" Version
   Even in a down market place, not all customers are looking for the lowest price. Many are willing to pay more to get a premium level of service. Consider boosting your average size sale and your total revenue by offering a more comprehensive service ...or by combining several services in a special premium package offer for a higher price.
    
4. Try Some Unusual Marketing Methods
   Look for some unconventional marketing methods your competitors are overlooking. Educational marketing is the best when combined with the "two step" approach. You may discover some highly profitable ways to generate sales and avoid competition. For example, why not print your best small teaserad offering a valuable instruction manual with a bottle of spotter absolutely free on a postcard and mail it to prospects in your targeted market. A small ad of this type on a postcard can generate a flood of sales leads for a very small cost.
    
5. Set up Joint Promotions with Other Small Businesses
   Contact some non-competing small businesses serving customers in your market. Offer to publicize their products or services to your customers in exchange for their publicizing your services to their customers. This usually produces a rewarding number of sales for both businesses at a very low cost if you choose a good partner
    
6. Take Advantage of Your Customers
   Your customers already know and trust you. It's easier to get more business from them than to get any business from somebody who never bought from you. Take advantage of this by creating some special deals just for your existing customers ...and announce new services to them before you announce them to the general market.

Also, convert your customers into publicity agents for your business. Develop an incentive for them to tell associates and friends about the value of your services. An endorsement from them is more effective than any amount of advertising - and it is much less expensive.

Each of these marketing tips provides a simple, low-cost way for you to find customers and generate sales quickly.