Low Cost Promotion Reminders

The Simplest Techniques can often be the Most Effective

Are you in need of a couple quick, easy, and (best of all) cheap promotions?

Here are a few easily implemented ideas...

• Pay Per Click Advertising
  Advertising engines such as Google Adwords and Yahoo Sponsored Search are easier to use than you may think. Everyday, people are searching online for the products you sell. Why shouldn't they find you first? All you need is a few dollars a day to get started.
• Post your company info, products, and corresponding links in online blogs, forums, and online reviews
  Business blogs are here to stay. If your business has not started its own blog, why wait any longer? Blogs are an excellent opportunity to foster one on one connections with your customers. If you need a place to start, check out www.blogger.com. Type in a search for people discussing your product market (examples: "consumer electronics", "televisions", "apparel", "publishing", etc.). Be a part of the latest news and maybe even set your own trends.
• "Cheater Sites"
  Cheater Sites, as defined in this context, are websites where bargain hunters look for online deals. Generally, these people post and share various online coupon codes. Whether they are supposed to share these codes or not is anyone's guess. Why not just give them a coupon for your product? Maybe 10% off any purchase? If someone is going to find online coupons for products like yours, why not let them find yours first? You may even give them the thrill of finding a deal they believe they are not supposed to find. For examples, check out fatwallet.com and dealmac.com.
• Order Confirmation Email Offers
  Reward your customers and keep them coming back. In your customers' order and/or shipment confirmation email, try offering the following:
  - Information on upcoming product releases and/or current products that compliment the customer’s recent purchase
  - % Discount off next order
  - $ off next order
  - Free shipping on next order
  - Free accessory with purchase
  - Buy one, get one x% off
  
• Shipment Inserts
  If your customers open your box only to find what they ordered, you are missing an opportunity. Why not take advantage of this captive audience (who is already known to be interested in your products) by including a brochure and/or flyer in each box out the door. You can offer the customer similar coupons such as those mentioned in the confirmation email list above. Demo discs, samples, and other promotional items may also prove
• Rebates
  There are plenty of third party rebate processors available. While this one may take a little extra planning, it is worth keeping in mind.
• Customer Service Training
  While everyone knows that training a sales staff is a must, customer service training is probably the most commonly missed opportunity to capture more sales. An experienced customer service staff can be key to creating and retaining customers. A short product specific training can boost interest and confidence in your staff. If you have a third party call center, request that you train these reps in person.
• Utilize Internal Lists
  In addition to being infinitely cheaper than renting external lists, your own existing customers are proven to be your best shot at attracting new sales via direct marketing campaigns. This includes email and snail mail campaigns
• List Swaps
  Can you think of another product in the marketplace that compliments that of your own? Trading customer lists with other vendors is another cheap and easy way to drive direct campaigns.

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