5 more tips for successful marketing

by Marty Marsh

Here are five simple tips you can implement today to more effectively market 
your business.

1.	Send a simple letter to your current customers, clients and prospects 
telling them about the services you offer. Never assume they are already 
aware of all the services or products you offer. A dentist might let his patients 
know about a whitening service, an accountant might remind her clients that 
she also offers bookkeeping services in addition to tax preparation, a bakery 
might announce that they also create stunning wedding cakes, and so on. 
Simply telling them in a letter or a postcard will surprise you with additional 
sales.

2.	Make them feel special. Show your customers and prospects how much you 
care about them, and build some goodwill and trust, by celebrating their 
special days with them. Send birthday and anniversary cards or notes, or just a 
"have a great day" card; there doesn't have to be a special occasion. Don't put 
any advertising or coupons in with these kind of mailings. Just let them know 
you're thinking about them.

3.	Take advantage of testimonials. Your credibility will increase dramatically 
with the use of customer testimonials. But you'll have to ask for them and 
you'll be surprised at how eager customers are to "toot your horn for you." 
Use the testimonials in all your marketing materials.

4.	Phone, mail, phone. Introduce any mail you're about to send to a prospect by 
phoning first. Tell them what to look for (like a large orange envelope with a 
blue stripe) then mail only to willing recipients. After a few days, call them 
again to see if they received the information and answer any questions they 
may have.

5.	Create urgency. Everyone puts things off, so create a sense of urgency with 
an incentive to act quickly. "Free to first 100 customers." "Free gift with 
orders placed by..."