ALL >> Marketing >> View Article
6 Affordable Strategies To Build A Cash Cow
Small businesses must be extra imaginative with their marketing efforts in order to attract customers and get them to open their wallets. Even more challenging is that most entrepreneurs have shallow pockets and shoppers are being more selective as a result of the sluggish economy and volatile stock market. The following are six proven low-cost marketing ideas that help small businesses increase sales and generate referrals, ultimately helping you build your cash cow, while spending very little.
Get Out and Walk -- Next time you walk down a street with high foot-traffic, pay attention to storefront windows underutilized. Approach the store owner and offer to pay a small fee to advertise your business in their window. Imagine, you pay $50 per month for a location that costs someone else $2500 a month in rent. This idea also works in reverse. If you're the store owner with great window visibility, approach other entrepreneurs and offer them an affordable advertising opportunity.
Special Deal Today Only -- The next time business is slow, try sending out an email to your prospect list that reads, "Please call ...
... me. I have a special deal I can offer you if you call me today. You'll be glad you did! (978) 346-4086. Thanks, Sharron." This method really works. Prospects call because of the urgency you create using such a short deadline and to make sure they don't miss out on a worthy opportunity. Be careful. You'll lose credibility with your prospects if your offer isn't aggressive enough, i.e., 10% off won't cut it!
Under Your Nose -- Are your vendors doing business with you? Why not? Here's a short list of the prospects you should contact within 48 hours of reading this article, your: accountant, attorney, plumber, electrician, daycare provider, housekeeper, greens keeper, mechanic, realtor, friends, family, minister/priest/rabbi, etc., dentist, physician, gynecologist, nail technician, hairdresser, Mary Kay Consultant, marriage counselor, coach, personal trainer, financial advisor, and so forth. If you and your vendor are not a match, he or she probably knows someone who should be doing business with you. Now, all you have to do is ask your vendor to provide some word-of-mouth about you. At minimum, ask to display your business cards and flyers at their office. Take a moment and make sure people in your immediate circle understand what you're selling for a living!
Customers on the Fence -- Before you send off your next proposal, call your client and tell her the proposal she requested is ready. Tell your client you'd like to forward the proposal to her, but before you do, ask her what time tomorrow would be convenient to discuss the proposal. Remember, always set up your next appointment before releasing any information!
Charge at Least Five Bucks -- Always charge a fee for all your event marketing efforts. Fee-paid seminars and workshops almost always generate more participants than free events. The fee does two things. First, when you charge for something, there's an implied "value" built in. Your prospect will believe they "get more" when they pay, versus not paying. Second, when a prospect pays you, they're showing a commitment and are now a more qualified prospect and more likely to show up. Don't just take my word for it; test it. It's true.
Stimulate Customer Senses -- Do you think the smell of fresh baking bread flowing throughout the grocery store or music playing is by chance? Absolutely not. Retail businesses have been going out of their way for years to stimulate shoppers and keep them browsing. Stimulating the senses works outside of bricks and mortars too. For example, let's say you're a business development expert and you're getting ready to mail your quarterly newsletter on white stock. Instead, try a red or pink-hued paper. Or, if you'd prefer to remain conservative, use a white textured stock. Another example: There's nothing worse than the smell of a disinfectant used in a doctor's office. Try burning vanilla candles in the waiting room, they'll help sooth your customers while they wait. If your business is notorious for long waiting room times, fresh baked cookies would work well.
Remember, the more comfortable we keep our customers, the longer they'll stay, the more memorable experience they'll have and the more they'll spend, or pass on positive word-of-mouth. When you're planning your next marketing activity, remember to stimulate your customers' senses, including eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
About the Author
Sharron Senter is a New England-based marketing consultant, speaker, writer and founder of Senter & Associates, a marketing firm that helps small businesses deploy low-cost marketing strategies. Sharron is best known for her free weekly emailed marketing tips, found at http://www.sharronsenter.com.
Add Comment
Marketing Articles
1. The Merits Of Doing Marketing In AdelaideAuthor: Barry Elvis
2. Digital Marketing Agency For Small Business: Why Hobo E Services Is Your Best Choice
Author: Hobo e Services
3. Marketing Mistri-best Seo Company In Jaipur
Author: Marketing Mistri
4. 5g-powered Marketing Automation: What Marketers Need To Know
Author: Saastargo Technologies
5. Understanding The Role Of Analytics In Digital Marketing Success
Author: Saastargo Technologies
6. Seo In The Ai Era: How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Search Optimization
Author: Saastargo Technologies
7. 6 Ways To Measure Roi From Influencer Marketing Campaigns!
Author: Pooja Saha
8. 5 Best Skills Needed To Become An Expert Email Marketer!
Author: Pooja Saha
9. What Is A Digital Marketing Agency And Why Your Business Needs One
Author: Vaibhav
10. Top 5 Bug Tracking Software Of 2025
Author: Otis
11. The Role Of Ai In Shaping The Future Of Marketing
Author: Dharma Raj
12. 15 Reasons Your Keyword’s Rankings Are Fluctuating Like Crazy
Author: Olivia Walker
13. Momentum In Action: Tailored Growth Marketing Strategies For Series A Startups
Author: Alastar Kerpel
14. Experience Ultimate Softness With Satino Royale Carpet
Author: carpetsonline
15. 10 Must Have Digital Marketing Services To Boost Your Business Growth
Author: Uprango Digital