Low Cost Marketing Tips

"Consistency is important to keep your product or service in front of your customer at all times, even if your marketing budget is limited."

AMW Marketing is pleased to offer you a few tips to consider when times are tough:

 

People don’t want to do business with your brand; they want to do business with you.

 
Strategy No. 1:
GET OUT THERE

People don’t want to do business with your brand; they want to do business with you. Opportunities to get out and meet potential clients and referral sources in person are only limited by your imagination.

 Attend association meetings in your industry.

 Get involved with networking events at the local chamber of commerce.


 Make yourself available as a speaker at service club meetings.

 Offer to lead a workshop or conference.

Be prepared to provide business cards and collateral. By positioning yourself as a resource and authority, you encourage the trust of potential clients.

Strategy No. 2:
COLLECT EMAIL ADDRESSES

At trade shows, association meetings, or conferences, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of people. Don’t forget to exchange business cards, and guard those business cards with your life! Communications by email could include:

 A personalized "pleasure to meet you" with an invitation to further opportunities.

 Connection emails that build relationships, including attaching relevant articles or website links.

 A "thank you" note to new clients or customers to add that personal touch.

A marketing copywriter can assist in making these messages relevant and memorable. Software is also available to automate emails as your business grows. Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality.

Strategy No. 3:
SHARE INFORMATION

Develop an interesting and creative e-newsletter with bits and pieces of your personal industry wisdom, current trends, and relevant humor.

 Use the email list you’ve created to keep connected with potential clients and referral sources.

 Post the newsletter on your website and let people know it’s there for their viewing whenever they like.

 You can collect additional email addresses from interested surfers on your website as well.

Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality and ability to meet needs. Software is available, or you can give the raw material to a professional marketer to design and format.

Strategy No. 4:
CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

Social media allows you to connect directly with potential and current clients. In no other time in history have businesses had the ability to directly affect public perception, one person at a time. Some popular social media are:

 Facebook

 Twitter

 Blogs

Although you want to put a face on your company, remain professional and avoid inappropriate postings on Facebook.

The most common error new Twitter users make is bombarding their followers with ads for their business. Social media is about building relationships.

Blogs are easy to set up, but will only gain a following if they are interesting and personal, even when related to business.

There are specialists in Internet Marketing who can assist you in starting social media accounts or maintaining blogs.

For the remainder of the FREE helpful, low-cost marketing tips from AMW Marketing, click on the following link:http://www.amw-marketing.com/cc-fb.html

Avoid Common Marketing Mistakes I

With so many balls in the air, directors of non-profits are faced with a variety of tasks sometimes making it difficult to do everything effectively and efficiently. However, with proper guidance and support, all marketing initiatives can be successful. 

One common mistake non-profits make when it comes to marketing is not having consistency.  Non-profit organizations, like all businesses, must have a cohesive brand identity. Organizational branding is extremely important and should be consistent from one program to another. Too often one program within an organization (perhaps because it has its own budget) develops its own promotional or communications material. Having one program appear as if it's part of an entirely different organization does not serve to promote the cause.

At the same time, in an attempt to save money, many non-profit organizations do not follow the proper organizational graphic standards. Colors, logos, and other graphic standards may be ignored, causing a loss of brand identity. Good branding is a precious commodity for every business and non-profit organization.

Brand identity is what differentiates the American Cancer Society from the United Cancer Foundation.  One is a state-based organization that focuses on obtaining free screenings for those who can't afford it.  Isn't it important for potential donors, volunteers, and clients to know the difference?

AMW Marketing can provide the necessary guidance to make your non-profit's brand stand out.  Is your message consistent?