Feed for content matching tag 'advertising'

myDealCompass

Advertising on the cheap - How to sell to businesses

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:24:16 GMT

I write for a site - LimerenceMag.com - and we've been growing very quickly as of late with one problem - we don't have anyone doing ad sales! Our issues are downloaded thousands of times by readers and we're really missing out on all that unfilled ad space. We keep the issues free to encourage our subscribers, among others, to download the issues. We're going to keep publishing the monthly issues whether or not the ad space fills just based on the fact that our readers want it, but the site can't grow nearly as quickly when we're not selling that ad space. We're still just a little group, so we can't offer all of the attractive appeal for the ad sales position that other companies can. The writers do pitch in their efforts (including myself), but the reach we have isn't quite as good as if someone were to be doing it regularly. My question is this - how do you reach potential clients when you can't fill a full time sales position? This piece of the website is critical to our growth as a group and we really want to make it work, but as I'm really not a sales/marketing person I'm not sure what I need to do to get results. Thank you in advance for your advice!

I took your advice and revamped my website! Check it out!!!

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:35:23 GMT

To Phillip and everyone else that gave me advice on my blog and my business site...THANK YOU!

Check 'em out!

www.prosperunlimited.com

I was able to setup the email subscription button on this site:

www.prosperunlimited.blogspot.com

Tell me what you think!!!

8 Ways to Market on a Shoestring

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:16:59 GMT

The dirty little secret about entrepreneurship is that most people who start a business had no idea what they were doing when they began – myself included. Oh sure, they may have read some books and articles, gone to seminars, or maybe have even written a business plan. But actually knowing what to expect, what slings and arrows would come their way – no.

The good news about that, as one intrepid entrepreneur once told me, is that you don’t know what you don’t know. That is – you don’t know enough to be scared or timid. The bad news is that there inevitably will be a steep learning curve as mistakes are made.

One mistake I see often has to do with marketing. People usually start a business because they find something they love and want to do that every day, for example a gardener buying a nursery. But because someone knows how to grow orchids does not mean that they know how to grow a business.

Indeed, most small businesses discover one or two marketing ideas, use them, then beat them to death, and wonder why they are not getting any new customers. The reason it doesn’t work is simple: By doing the same old thing again and again, the same people see your business. If you mix it up and try something new, different people will discover you are out there and your business will grow. Here are some inexpensive and easy ways to implement marketing ideas that you can use. Let me suggest that you test several (maybe four or five) and then roll out two or three of the most promising:

Click here to read more articles from small business expert Steve Strauss.

1. Email marketing: The idea is not to send out spam, but rather, individualized email offers to targeted individuals. Email marketing is the 21st century equivalent of direct mail. Create a list via a search or other means, create a snappy email offer and send it out. Maybe you will send it to members of your local chamber of commerce, or all the lawyers in town. It doesn't matter; what matters is that you can get in front of new potential customers at almost no cost.

2. Create an e-newsletter: If you don’t have an e-newsletter, then it’s time to hop on the bandwagon. E-newsletters are popular for a reason – they work. By offering interesting content (and a few specials) you can get people to agree to let you regularly contact them. Best of all, it costs nothing but your time.

3. E-newsletter advertising: What about this cool, affordable trick – find some e-newsletters that you like, and think would appeal to your type of customer, and advertise in them. It won’t cost much because the circulation numbers, especially in comparison to traditional advertising, will be small, but it will be highly targeted to your target market. Even better, as with any e-newsletter, the recipients want to receive the periodical.

4. Pay-per-click: As with e-newsletter advertising, the beauty of PPC ads is that you only pay for qualified leads – people who like your ad enough to click on it. Use PPC on Google, Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, etc.

5. Search Engine Optimization: Why even pay for a click when you can get one for free? SEO is the way. Yes, SEO takes a bit of time to learn, but it pays enormous dividends.

6. Overnight radio: Drive-time radio spots on a big station can cost upwards of $500 a minute. However, if you advertise on that same station overnight, while the numbers are of course much smaller, the costs are likely to be significantly less, potentially as low as $10 a spot.

7. Co-op advertising: My dad used to have a giant billboard on the San Diego freeway in Los Angeles that said “Carpet World . . . Elegance Underfoot.” In the corner it also said “featuring Ban-Lon Carpets.” Ban-Lon paid for about 80 percent of that advertisement. This is a perfect example of co-op advertising. If you have a wholesaler or distributor with whom you work, see if they offer co-op funds. Mention their product in your advertisement (online, in print, or over the air) and they will pick up a good portion of the costs.

8. Social media: Engaging in social media, if done right, can create new relationships and extend your brand and again, requires little of your time.

Okay, you get the idea. By expanding your options and marketing more with inexpensive, shoestring options, you can grow your business in any economy. If you want to learn even more about different ways to market your small business, you can watch this video.

About Steve Strauss

Steve Strauss is one of the world’s leading small business experts. The senior small business columnist for USA Today, his Ask an Expert column is one of the most highly-syndicated business columns in the country. Steve is also the author of the Small Business Bible and his latest book is Get Your Business Funded: Creative Methods for Getting the Money You Need. A popular media guest, Steve is a regular contributor to ABC News Now and frequently appears on television and radio. His business, The Strauss Group, creates unique, actionable, entertaining, and informative multi-media small business content.

An Event to Answer Questions and Discuss Ideas

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:33:03 GMT

An Event to Answer Questions and Discuss Ideas

Free Advertise !!

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:29:06 GMT

I will advertise,your company or store for one week on my online store. Just to get you started.For free.
Just go to http://www.jfwarehouse.com/ and go to guestbook and let me know the name of your company or store.

We value your feedback! Please let us know how you like our products and feel free to give us suggestions on how we can better serve your needs. fill out our easy to use feedback form!

Google plus

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:46:29 GMT

As some of you may or may not know, Google has started Google plus and the Google +1 button. The idea behind the +1 button would appear to be similar to Facebook's like system for comments but on a search instead.

Do you think that this will be useful to Small businesses to have people +1 your website?

Do you think companies will abuse it, giving themselves fake +1's though false accounts and/or proxies?

What do you think this means as a whole for the websites of companies?

Clothing Mfg in North or South Carolina needed for new startup business

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:23:47 GMT

Looking to start my own business and need an clothing manufacture in North or South Carolina. The clothing is underwear - any help with the manufacturer and/or business startup will be most appreciated. I really want to keep everything manufactured in either North or South Carolina. Thank you.

40 Home Based Business Ideas

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:26:47 GMT

Are you wondering what of business you should start at home. Hope this list will help you decide

1. Freelance Photographer

2. Freelance Web Developer

3. Travel Agent

4. Catering

5. Tutor

6. Event Planner

7. T-Shirt Printing/Silk Screening

8. Personal Trainer

9. Direct Selling

10. Mobile Pet Grooming

11. Medical/Legal Transcription

12. Freelance Accountant

13. Freelance Interior Designer

14. Personal Chef

15. Jewelry Creation

16. Cleaning Service

17. Candle Making

18. Mobile Spa

19. Freelance Hairstylist

20. Herb Gardening

21. Gardening and Landscaping.

22. Errand Service

24. Online Boutique

25. Bazaar Organizer

26. Online Bakery/Dessert, Pastries and Sweets Shop

27. Freelance Writer

28 Flower Arranger

29. Professional Emcee

30. Home Based Tailor/Garment Alterations.

31. Online Buy/Sell

32. Video Editing

33. Pest Control

34. Handbag Design and Repair

35. Copywriter

36. Mobile Bar

37. Delivery-Only Food Service

38. Organic Farming

39. Courier Service

40. Community Tour Guide.

I just found this list on our local Entrepreneur Magazine and I think that I should share this list here. If you have other suggestions feel free to add it to the list.

You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good. - Jerry West

Help getting my brand & merchandise out there...

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:57:49 GMT

I'm looking into starting a fashion jewelry business and I was wondering the best methods for me to start getting my brand and label and products out there so in the community to help bring business and etc. I want to sale my products in other boutiques and with other companies. Not really as a whole sale but in a way of working together, networking.

New Small Business Owner Needs Help!

shelbymarie.hairstylist@yahoo.com — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 05:19:59 GMT

I just opened my own salon suite a couple months ago and now I'm needing inexpensive marketing ideas. The marketing that I've done so far are my own post card mail-outs, I've joined every social website to get my name out there, I made cute favor bags that included coupons and cookies in the shapes of scissors, a hair brush and a blow dryer and brought them to local businesses and I'm going to go to the local community college and put flyers up there. I've also made referral cards for my current clients to give out.

I feel like I'm out of marketing ideas and could really use some help please!!!

Thank you in advance,

Shelby

Having a great product, but no sales

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:00:05 GMT

Hi everyone, I have tried Facebook, Twitter, linkedin,and even YouTube and no luck with online sales. I sell hair systems for people dealing with hair loss,like cancer patients or people who have a form of alopecia, and I also sell other various types of hair extensions and wigs. Here is the thing, my local clients love my products, however the website is bringing in a bunch of Nothing... What can I possibly do in order to increase traffic and revenue? Please help because I truly believe in my products and love helping others feel "whole" again.

Clear Presence Media

is my new website any good? please leave comments

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:53:19 GMT

i started my own free ads website, you can find and sell things like, pets, houses, cars, jobs, furniture and more..abit like gumtree, what do you think?

website is goodbuy ?

E-Book Marketing?

updates@sbcommunity.bankofamerica.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:14:53 GMT

Aside from the childrens book that I've written (which I want in print).

How can I market an e-book?