Posts Tagged marketing
Promotional Products Which Will Boost Your Marketing Efforts
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Marketing and Advertising on January 31st, 2011
The economic downturn in recent years has affected many businesses lately sometimes with catastrophic effects, we?ve all seen the headlines on TV or read about them in the newspapers. It?s never been more important to get your message out there, generate fresh interest and keep your customers happy. So how can you make your business work better for you? A fresh advertising campaign may be the solution to getting things moving again but what else can you do if you have already tried this?
Promotional products are a great way to please your customers and generate interest in your business. However it is important to choose promotional products wisely because most customers these days are not taken in by gimmicks, but then again most of us love a freebie! Promotional products should be fun and useful and to market your business it?s an idea to have your company name and logo printed on them. Promotional items can be given away to thank good and returning customers, as a welcoming gift or to celebrate a company milestone or anniversary.
Practical promotional items may not sound terribly exciting but people will always find having a spare to hand useful. Items that fall into the useful category include mugs, pens and umbrellas which can have your company?s name and logo printed on them. A spare pen is always useful especially as something to throw into a handbag or slot in a pocket, and lots of people like to have a spare umbrella to keep in the car, bearing in mind that umbrellas so often get left behind in shops and on public transport. A spare mug will also be useful as these often get broken so you can be sure your promo item will receive a regular airing.
Apparel items are also another popular choice for promo items and these can be printed up quite cheaply with the name and logo of your business. You could choose from sunglasses, baseball caps and t-shirts and put a smile on the face of your customer with a freebie. Extra items of clothing are always useful and it?s always good to have a spare to hand if you are caught out by the weather conditions or if you need to make a quick change after getting wet or spilling something on yourself when out and about.
For those who are in a business that attracts families with children to the premises then promotional products that are specifically aimed at kids make a good choice of giveaway. All you need to do is have items such as erasers, balloons, glo sticks, soft toys or puzzles printed with your logo. Children perhaps more than adults love to receive free gifts and if the children are happy the parents will also be happy.
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Trade Show Exhibition Stands - Advice From An Expert
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Business on December 28th, 2010
Trade shows are a brilliant time to attract new customers to your business and the services you offer, but with so many people competing for attention at the same time, it can be hard to make them notice you. There are, however, a few key things you can do to attract attention to your exhibition stand. Firstly, freebies. If people know that they can get free samples or have the chance of winning a prize at your stand, they?re more likely to spend time looking around it.
Another brilliant way to make sure you stand out from the crowd is to utilize all the modern techniques you can to highlight your stand, while keeping things simple. Choose a couple of key, complementary colors and use them to attract attention. Don?t go overboard or you may find your message is lost in the madness and people get put off. You could consider having a computer or presentation screen playing a slideshow containing key information on your company to draw people in.
You should also make an effort to get out and about at the exhibition to meet people as you can?t always rely on them being able to find you. Take stacks of leaflets with details of your business and the location of your stand and leave them in strategic locations around the exhibition hall. Also, walk around to introduce yourself to people and let them know where your stand is. If you know other businesses there, you could ask to leave some business cards at their stand.
If you know any key industry figures who are guaranteed to draw the crowds and they like what you do, see if you can persuade them to come and give a talk at your exhibition stand. This is sure to get people flocking in to see your special guest and you can catch them before they leave to make sure they see your publicity material, too. Alternatively, pitch it as a networking opportunity and give people a presentation on your work while they?re there.
Another great way to get attention at a trade show is to show off your trade: take some examples of products you manufacture or market and give people a demonstration. Send out staff to ask people if they want to see how the products work and take time to answer everyone?s questions. This helps to create an atmosphere of curiosity and excitement around your stand and will hopefully encourage people to tell their friends and bag you some new business.
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Direct Marketing - Advice From An Expert
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Marketing and Advertising on December 26th, 2010
Everyone who hopes to sustain some level of profitability needs to employ some sort of marketing strategy. Brand new companies and businesses need to get their name out there and even the established big boys must keep their brand in the public consciousness. One way to do this is by direct marketing, which is contacting potential customers and clients by means other than television and radio. There are several commonly used strategies, some of which will be quite familiar.
One of the best aspects of direct marketing is that its effects can be quantitatively measured. Sending ads in the mail is still the most practiced form of direct marketing. Coupons are also effective direct marketing tools because they not only make prospects aware of a business, but they have to stop by or visit a website to accept the offer. The number of coupons that come back to the establishment can then be counted up and a percentage of patrons to coupons can be calculated. Fliers and door hangers show up on the doors of seemingly every neighborhood possible. They are not expensive and they don?t cost much to produce. Plus, they will most certainly be seen because someone is bound to walk through their front door at least once a day.
Email has long been a target for direct marketing. The problem here is that spam mail has interfered with legitimate offers and coupons from a business. The filters on email clients often mistakenly identify valid offers as spam due to the similarities in the two types of email. It is still effective, however, because customers will have likely willingly given their email to a business they trust and frequent. They will probably recognize the email name of a business they know and will read the email.
Another common direct marketing strategy that anyone with a telephone is familiar with is telemarketing. This is about as direct as it gets, because the employees making the calls speak one-on-one with the prospect. Though the exact rate of success with telemarketing campaigns varies, they are apparently successful because the practice is still used. Remember, the idea is to obtain some sort of publicity, and even if a person does not buy the product being sold, they have still heard the name of the business and may think of it when they are ready to buy.
Direct marketing is productive because when a prospect is contacted directly, he or she will take some time to consider the product or service. Mail is at the top of the marketing list, with email and telemarketing right on its heels. Direct marketing one of the largest aspects of advertising.
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Techniques To Get More Business
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Marketing and Advertising on December 5th, 2010
If you are looking to market your business but not sure where to start then this post provides you with some useful tips? There are many methods to market your business like Internet marketing, Promotional Merchandises, Offline Marketing and several others but this post will mostly cover the three mentioned techniques. In the past few years the Internet has roared to challenging TV and Radio advertisement. Many say that Internet advertisement will soon takeover TV ads but I doubt that as no one will stop watching TV.
Internet marketing involves different tactics such as email marketing, search engine optimisation, social media marketing, reputation marketing and pay per click marketing. But to promote your business with this method you will need a website. And most experts say that your web design needs to be liked by search engines (search friendly). That is because you will be promoting your website on search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing and these engines like search friendly websites.
Offline marketing such as TV and radio ads have been around for many years. Before doing any online marketing big brands go for these techniques because millions of people watch TV on a daily basis but how many people use the Internet on a daily basis? But to be honest both online and offline marketing techniques should be applied in parallel. This will see more benefits by having one run after another.
Promotional merchandise is also a good way to find your next customer, some say it will fall under offline marketing but I want to discuss this separately. People might not realise this but leaflets and business cards are a form of promotional product. They both have been used for years by many companies in the past and they contain your company’s information along with product information. It has found many businesses and individuals around the World with new customers on a regular basis.
Why Is Branded Merchandise Important?
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Marketing and Advertising on December 5th, 2010
Several businesses around the World use branded merchandise as gifts in this period of festivity. Especially now when Christmas is not far away companies have started sending promotional products to their clients to remind them they are thinking of them and also to wish them happy holidays. branded pens, corporate clothing, promotional mousemats, branded must and others can be perfect promotional gifts to your clients. It is also one way of marketing to find your next customer.
At this current market Internet and TV ads are the only sense of marketing techniques people and businesses are using to promote their products. But you have to realise as a business that promotional products has been used for many years and will carry on to be used in many years to come. This technique of advertising has helped many companies find their next customers. To promote their business restaurants and takeaways have used leaflet tactics in the past. Business cards are another thing people use to promote themselves, which also in a way is promoting their company. People who don’t think business cards are a form of branded merchandise then I would suggest them to think again.
I used both online and offline marketing techniques when I opened a new business few months ago. I used Radio ads which was not the best but promotional products, TV ads and Internet Marketing brought me a lot of business. We all know how massive Google is and now Bing has been supported by Microsoft to challenge Google. So Internet marketing looks like it is heading to the direction of being one of most used advertising technique in the World.
So if you are a new business and looking to promote your business then I would suggest you used both online and offline marketing technique to promote.
Promotional Gift Ideas
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Business on November 23rd, 2010
When it comes to promotional gifts, the best choices to promote your business are high-quality and memorable. Don’t just opt for the cheapest product you can find, and then stick your logo on it. Thousands of companies have fallen into this trap, creating a giveaway product that’s just going to get thrown in the trash by their target customers. Whether you are promoting a large or small business, and regardless of the industry, there are many ways to use promotional gifts effectively, building brand recognition and making your advertising campaign more effective. Here are some ideas for you to think about:
- Include a free gift with their purchase. An easy way to increase sales, as well as the percentage of return customers, this can include a sample of your own product line or a gift chosen because it relates to your industry. For example, customers who sign up at a gym might receive a promotional pedometer. Another option is to place each purchase in a cloth shopping bag with your logo printed on it.
- Go high-tech. If your company positions itself as being on the cutting edge of innovation, choose something that’s sure to please your technologically-savvy audience: USB memory sticks. Printed with your logo, your customers will see your brand every time they use this device. It’s a sure way to show your customers that you understand the needs of the modern consumer.
- Consider whether your target clientele will use the product. A USB memory stick is perfect for technologically-savvy audiences, but perhaps your customers would prefer something else. Designer glassware, lip balm, mugs, and high-quality pens are just a few of the options when it comes to usable corporate gifts.
- Opt for earth-friendly giveaways. Today, more and more people actively search out companies whose outlook matches their own. Show that you are environmentally aware by giving your customers a bag, mug, or pen made from recycled or all-natural materials. This is a great way to show your customers that you understand their priorities.
The business of promotional gifts has virtually exploded since the days of pens imprinted with a company logo. Today, your company can find thousands of different promo products in every price range. The key to getting the best return on your investment is choosing distinctive and usable products which will leave a lasting impression on the recipient.
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Trade Show Exhibition Stands
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Business on November 15th, 2010
Trade shows are a very important part of marketing your business. They are a great place to expose your brand name and show potential customers what you have to offer and the latest and greatest services and products you provide. Because a trade show is a fairly substantial investment of both time and money, you will want to know how to make your trade show exhibition stand successful.
In order for your trade show stand to be successful, research needs to be done before you even set up shop. It would be pointless to go to a show that no one in your target audience attends, so ask around your current customers to see what trade shows they often attend. By doing this, you will have a good idea of what shows will provide the most exposure for your business. Trade show directories are also a great resource in directing your decision on what trade show to set up a stand. Your local chamber of commerce is also helpful in these matters.
It is no secret that people like free things. When setting up a stand at a trade show exhibition, be aware that all of the other vendors know this and will be handing out goodies to everyone that stops by. Not only will you need to hand over some promotional items to keep up with the Joneses, your goodies will need to stand out. The key is to provide attendees with something useful; for example, a canvas handbag is a great idea because it gives the trade show patrons something to carry around all of the fliers and brochures they acquire throughout the day. Notepads and pens are also cheap to provide and will remind someone of your brand each time they jot something down.
Business cards with a picture of your company?s most well-known product are a terrific way to make your trade show exhibition stand successful. Of course, the card will have your business name on it, but that may not be enough to remind someone why he or she visited your stand in the first place. A picture of an actual product will bring back the memory and put your name at the front of their list when it is time for them to buy. This keeps your stand from becoming just a random stop on their trade show itinerary.
Trade shows serve as good advertisements and for increased brand recognition. A trade show stand takes time and money in order to operate successfully. The increased traffic your company will experience will be well worth the investment.
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Who Buys Promotional Products?
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Marketing and Advertising on October 8th, 2010
A lot of companies purchase promotional products on a regular/quarterly basis. They send it as gifts to their customers either new or current. This tells their customers that we are still thinking of you and also to tell them about any new offers. This is one way of building relationship. This is also used to thank their new customers for choosing their products or services and also to welcome them.
There are several types of branded merchandise that companies used as gifts such as promotional pens, corporate clothing, promotional mousemats, branded mugs, promotional business cards and several other products. Products like mousemats, pens and mugs are the most used products given to customers as gifts. This is because these items are used on a daily basis and reminds people using them where they got it from. It is not something difficult it is certainly not rocket science.
Tis is one marketing tactic used by several small, medium and large companies around the World. To retain their clients every freelancers have started to take this approach. Promotional products will also help you find your next customers. Many of us do not realise that business cards and even takeaway leaflets are one of many promotional products. They have just been given a separate names. Takeaway menus and leaflets are easy to promote, all they have to do is find their target area and post it like a letter. Its always useful to have business cards when travelling. Business cards can come in handy to stay in touch with people when you are travelling by air, water or ground. You never know you might find your next customer doing that.
The reasons for using promotional products have hopefully been covered in this post, if you have more let me know. If you are a new company then you should definitely look at promoting your services through onsite and offsite marketing. A promotional item is one of many methods of offsite marketing.
Getting New Customers Through Sending Direct Mail
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Marketing and Advertising on September 11th, 2010
No matter what type of business you own, you need customers in order to survive. Almost every type of business needs to advertise to reach their existing customers, and more importantly, to attract new customers. There are many ways to advertise, but one method that can be very effective is direct mail. Direct mail advertising has been around for many years, and been used by many companies, proving its effectiveness.
The world has become very digital, and so has much of our communication. That stated, how many people really read their junk email? The answer is almost no one. In fact, those who do occasionally read our junk email only do so occasionally. These kinds of messages are quickly labeled ?spam.? The bottom line is that reaching people through email just isn?t very efficient or effective. First, you can?t tell from an email address whether the person even lives in your market area. Second, you don?t know anything about that person to know if he or she is a potential customer. And, third, many people do not like receiving email from someone they don?t know, which causes them to delete the email without even reading it. All in all, not the best use of your advertising dollars.
Using a proven advertising technique and conducting a direct mail campaign might better serve your company. Just like you can buy lists of email addresses, you can buy lists of names and addresses of people. The difference is that these lists come from databases that have more detail, and have been refined to include specific characteristics, buying habits, locations, or other details about the person. As such, you can target the right people for your business, and send a specific piece of mail that grabs their attention and gives them a reason to come to your business.
Another advantage of direct mail is that you can tailor it to your needs over time. While you might advertise one way during most of the year, but have a specific campaign for your peak season, you can accomplish this with different pieces of mail that are sent. In fact, you can even tailor it to the type of person you are trying to reach. As a result, you can have a campaign for customers, while doing something very different to try to convert targeted people into customers. The beauty of direct mail advertising is that you can make it whatever you want it to be, whenever you want to use it.
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Offline Marketing Helps Promotional Merchandise
Posted by SEO SERVICES in Marketing and Advertising on September 6th, 2010
These days the business are throwing their money on online marketing without realising there is still market to get from offline marketing such as promotional products. Promotional products like promotional pens, promotional cups, promotional mousemats, corporate clothing and many more still helps in finding your next customer. As a business looking for new customers on a regular basis you should never shut down any offline marketing technique just because online marketing is on the rise. To be honest the best thing to do is to run online and offline marketing campaigns side by side and see which one works better and then make a decision.
Internet is booming right now and online marketing is the way forward but there is still a market to target through offline marketing. For businesses like hair dressers, restaurants, bars and others, one way to target their audience is through offline marketing like leaflets. For me leaflet is one of the promotional products because it contains the company information and also products information. It’s not only the hospitality industries that use promotional items. There are other big industries that use promotional items as gifts on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter to send to their customers. This way you are constantly telling your customers we are always thinking of you and also they will remember you.
Whenever there are big sports such as Wimbledon, World Cup or Champions League huge amount of promotional products are sold. When the World cup was hosted in South Africa there were millions of promotional products sold. You will also receive word of mouth new customers through current customers because of promotional products. Let’s take an example of you having some friends over and are looking to order some takeaways, this is when leaflets comes in handy so there you you are referring a takeaway to your friends. This is one circumstance, there will be thousand others where your current customers will be referring your business to your new customers.
