|
So you started a business and you have limited money for marketing and advertising, but without this element you will have no new customers. What to do? I have always been a firm believer of the adage, “Think outside the box”, and after you finish this article I think you will get an idea of how far outside the box you have to live (Yes live. You have to stay out there if you want to win this game with limited cash flow) in order to set yourself aside.
If you have searched and read a lot on marketing on a limited budget I am certain that you have been told to create some sought of publicity stunt. Do something crazy and people will not only see you but talk about you. I do believe that this works, and you will get exposure but I think that everything you do should have some sought of publicity stunt element to it. In small markets like ours; the Caribbean; many of these stunts will get you and your business highlighted on the news or in the newspapers. This is just an added bonus. Please understand that the stunt must fit your market and the image you are trying to portray for your business, but this can be done in more ways than I think most of us can imagine. The following are 5 ideas (some will call them crazy ideas) to get your business noticed. 1. Use lottery tickets as incentives for buyers and referrals. You can market your giveaway as a chance to win 1 million dollars (or whatever the grand prize is). This should not be used as deception but the entire promotion bust be explained at some point. Many people may not buy lottery but will be thrilled as having a free chance at winning. 2. Stage a Protest. Imagine what would happen if you had picketers outside your place of business with signs that read, “This Place is full of nice people” or, “You need to raise your prices or else I won’t stop spending money”. 3. Create a crazy holiday. Today is “Fry Chicken Awareness Day” or “Green Hair day” or “Happy Couples Day”. These holidays should have some sought of connection to your business and they are only limited by your creativity. Remember to market your holiday and create awareness by acting out the holiday. For example, on Green Hair Day, all your employees should have green hair. 4. Sex Sells so SELL IT. Ok, I got your attention. Some of you read this one first but that’s the idea. Depending on your target market you may be able to use “Sex” to attract customers. Imagine a new Hardware store or Car Parts retailer, with a beautiful woman standing outside just walking back and forth slowly, with a shirt that read, “I want to go in but I need an escort” , or a hand written sign that said “I know nothing about hardware, can you help me?”. This will not only get customers to come in your store but some of these guys will drive by your place to see if she is out there on some other day. 5. Hold a wild contest. Holding a contest will help you attract customers who will enter and judge the contest. We are using this idea to raise awareness of islandmasterminds.com and we are already seeing the results. - Serial Entrepreneur
|
its so true, and even though i got some ideas from this site, its even better to be original, but just GET NOTICED lol