Make 2010 the Best Year with these Simple Marketing Tips

Five years ago, did you see this economic recession coming? Perhaps, you did to a lesser extent, but you didn’t really think it was going to be this bad, right? With that said, companies have to gain leverage and position themselves to their markets by becoming the number one choice to consumers through cost effective marketing. However, with traditional advertising costs going through the roof, companies need to find effective ways to target their markets, specifically through online media outlets – public relations, banner advertising, search engine optimization, blogging, and branding.

Here some low cost ways of effective advertising:

1. Pay attention: Research and understand the goals, values, and behaviors of your market. Once you have a thorough understanding of your market, you will know how to deliver messages effectively.

2. Outside Help: If you decide to hire an agency to manage your advertising, make sure you are the only account they are managing in your market. If the company manages any competitors, look elsewhere.

3. Why are you special? Tell your market what your USP is and why you are better than all the rest of your competition. A USP is the Unique Selling Proposition, the one element that makes your business better than everyone else’s business (superior customer service, late hours, 24 hour customer service, best prices, or highest quality).

4. Pick Your Places Carefully: Use the right places to advertise online. There is nothing worse then placing an advertisement in a hardware e-magazine (that has little or no relevance to your market) when you are trying to sell cosmetics, which should be placed in a fashion e-magazine.

5. Irresistible offer: You want to attract prospects and make them contact you immediately. Offer a discount for first time buyers; offer an introductory period, or a gift that has a high perceived value.

6. Diversify marketing efforts: Use online advertising, blogging, social media marketing with branding and public relations to get the best results. You should also determine where your marketing dollars are generating the best return on investment to prevent careless spending.

About the Author:
Kristin is the President of Marquet Media LLC, www.marquet-communications.com, a boutique firm that specializes in online branding and public relations for the fashion, beauty, and accessory industries. She also authored the book, “Her Little Ways: The Women’s Inspirational Guide to Life” written exclusively for Beauties on the Go as well as is a business columnist and has written for various print and online publications such as Enterprising Woman magazine, Everyday Women, Small Business CEO, Women on Business and Shetakesontheworld.com.
Kristin can be contacted via email at km@marquet-communications.com.