Thursday, June 19, 2008
Product Marketing
Product Marketing
How To Select a Market That Has Tons of Eager Prospects Looking For Your Product
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis]Dennis Francis
Looking for a quality exercise pulse monitor? Hey, it's easy. Check out the material and workmanship. Grab a color you like, and maybe a fitness computer program . You can even sign up for the online diet and walking program! Thanks to the Internet, you can even get workout clothing and shoes from the same website. A marketer's dream.
You can still buy those cheap pulse monitors that fast food restaurants promote with their healthy meals, but they probably won't last very long if you actually use them. So what does a little exercise pulse monitor got to do with making a killing in your own small business?
Everything.
Where have all the good products gone?
You see this happening across the spectrum of manufactured products. There is a need for all sorts of little obscure items that people really find indispensable. How about that green apple flavored cleaning fluid that some kids sell door to door. I tried it and loved the stuff. I don't like the kind that is sold in the supermarkets it's inferior. So how can I get this great cleaning fluid when I want it? What other great stuff does this company make? These little gems are out there folk.
Will People Pay For Quality?
My answer is a resounding, "Yes!" If I can find the original Green Apple cleaning fluid mentioned above, I will buy it without even thinking about the price. It's a product that makes my life that much easier. When it comes to cleaning house, I want the best, they usually last longer and make the job easier every time. I know that a lot of people feel the same way about quality and service.
Quality products of any kind can become the basis of a profitable niche market. You must start with a product that will allow you to expand your product - service mix. By that I mean any product that fits the profile of consumable, extremely useful, modular, expandable, utilitarian must be able to fit nicely into a group of products.
For example a product that cures warts permanently is not that good as a starting point. There are not nearly as many people willing to pay twice the going rate for that product because even as a niche, it cannot carry a wide enough market on its own. Cleaning products have a much wider market and variance in quality. Consumers will defend their favorites and be loyal enough to recommend those products to their friends. The main product can be bundled with that great scrubbing sponge that has the superior scrubbing material on one side and the spongy cleaning surface on the other. Add a how-to guide to cleaning everything under the sun and a standing order program; now you have a niche product mix to launch a business.
A Simple But Difficult Idea
Defining a niche is tough to do but not impossible. If you who intend to make it on the Internet now and into the future, you must find and conquer a niche. You must become the dominant name within that niche. You must provide great content that demonstrates expertise, over-deliver with quality products, and provide extremely high levels of support to everyone who trusts you enough to purchase your solutions to their problems.
But Where Do You Get Start?
You must start with the market's need. Never ever start with your own ideas. You can waste a lot of time trying to fit your solutions to a problem that few people have or want to admit to having. That means going to the Web and to the Public Library. There are a few great directories to research but I recommend the SRDS (Standard Rate and Data Service) directory to be precise. This website requires a subscription but comes in handy when you want to know details of media purchasing. It allows you to find the popularity of various products and services by consumers. If you want to know what people are actually buying this is the way to do it.
Once you choose a product that fits the profile of consumable, extremely useful, modular, expandable, and utilitarian, you're on your way. Your next step is to test the viability of your offer. You can do that by conducting a survey. Set up a simple squeeze page and reply page that offers the respondents a free download-able gift for filling out the survey.
They can also get coupons to purchase your products at a discount for their efforts. Track your results and see if you can get a fair assessment of the results after a specified period of time. If the results reveal a positive general trend, then you can craft your marketing and reach your audience more effectively. This makes selling much easier because you'll have a built in customer base and a good shot at giving them exactly what they want. They will love you if you satisfy their needs.
Dennis Morales Francis is a consultant and coach for business professionals and wellness practitioners. His website, offers its members online coaching on building Internet income and automating their marketing on and off the web.
Go to http://www.doublemyrevenues.com/money.html to learn how to put $120,000 a year in your pocket by pressing a button on your PC. You don't want to miss this E-Tutorial.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Select-a-Market-That-Has-Tons-of-Eager-Prospects-Looking-For-Your-Product&id=1149920
How To Select a Market That Has Tons of Eager Prospects Looking For Your Product
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis]Dennis Francis
Looking for a quality exercise pulse monitor? Hey, it's easy. Check out the material and workmanship. Grab a color you like, and maybe a fitness computer program . You can even sign up for the online diet and walking program! Thanks to the Internet, you can even get workout clothing and shoes from the same website. A marketer's dream.
You can still buy those cheap pulse monitors that fast food restaurants promote with their healthy meals, but they probably won't last very long if you actually use them. So what does a little exercise pulse monitor got to do with making a killing in your own small business?
Everything.
Where have all the good products gone?
You see this happening across the spectrum of manufactured products. There is a need for all sorts of little obscure items that people really find indispensable. How about that green apple flavored cleaning fluid that some kids sell door to door. I tried it and loved the stuff. I don't like the kind that is sold in the supermarkets it's inferior. So how can I get this great cleaning fluid when I want it? What other great stuff does this company make? These little gems are out there folk.
Will People Pay For Quality?
My answer is a resounding, "Yes!" If I can find the original Green Apple cleaning fluid mentioned above, I will buy it without even thinking about the price. It's a product that makes my life that much easier. When it comes to cleaning house, I want the best, they usually last longer and make the job easier every time. I know that a lot of people feel the same way about quality and service.
Quality products of any kind can become the basis of a profitable niche market. You must start with a product that will allow you to expand your product - service mix. By that I mean any product that fits the profile of consumable, extremely useful, modular, expandable, utilitarian must be able to fit nicely into a group of products.
For example a product that cures warts permanently is not that good as a starting point. There are not nearly as many people willing to pay twice the going rate for that product because even as a niche, it cannot carry a wide enough market on its own. Cleaning products have a much wider market and variance in quality. Consumers will defend their favorites and be loyal enough to recommend those products to their friends. The main product can be bundled with that great scrubbing sponge that has the superior scrubbing material on one side and the spongy cleaning surface on the other. Add a how-to guide to cleaning everything under the sun and a standing order program; now you have a niche product mix to launch a business.
A Simple But Difficult Idea
Defining a niche is tough to do but not impossible. If you who intend to make it on the Internet now and into the future, you must find and conquer a niche. You must become the dominant name within that niche. You must provide great content that demonstrates expertise, over-deliver with quality products, and provide extremely high levels of support to everyone who trusts you enough to purchase your solutions to their problems.
But Where Do You Get Start?
You must start with the market's need. Never ever start with your own ideas. You can waste a lot of time trying to fit your solutions to a problem that few people have or want to admit to having. That means going to the Web and to the Public Library. There are a few great directories to research but I recommend the SRDS (Standard Rate and Data Service) directory to be precise. This website requires a subscription but comes in handy when you want to know details of media purchasing. It allows you to find the popularity of various products and services by consumers. If you want to know what people are actually buying this is the way to do it.
Once you choose a product that fits the profile of consumable, extremely useful, modular, expandable, and utilitarian, you're on your way. Your next step is to test the viability of your offer. You can do that by conducting a survey. Set up a simple squeeze page and reply page that offers the respondents a free download-able gift for filling out the survey.
They can also get coupons to purchase your products at a discount for their efforts. Track your results and see if you can get a fair assessment of the results after a specified period of time. If the results reveal a positive general trend, then you can craft your marketing and reach your audience more effectively. This makes selling much easier because you'll have a built in customer base and a good shot at giving them exactly what they want. They will love you if you satisfy their needs.
Dennis Morales Francis is a consultant and coach for business professionals and wellness practitioners. His website, offers its members online coaching on building Internet income and automating their marketing on and off the web.
Go to http://www.doublemyrevenues.com/money.html to learn how to put $120,000 a year in your pocket by pressing a button on your PC. You don't want to miss this E-Tutorial.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Select-a-Market-That-Has-Tons-of-Eager-Prospects-Looking-For-Your-Product&id=1149920
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Marketing
Marketing
5 Dynamic Steps To Marketing Anything Successfully
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis]Dennis Francis
Marketing is the most important thing you can do in business after developing a great and indispensable product or service. Marketing will be one of your major expenses in many cases if you're a service oriented business. If you produce a product, it will be a close second.
Many people don't understand the value of marketing and consider it an afterthought that's why they end up with sleepless nights worrying about slow periods, lack of sales and rising competition later on. They were not educated in the basic principles of marketing. What I'm about to show you is the basic formula for selling your product or service.
If you don't have enough customers to cover your expenses, you're not effectively marketing your business. If you're business is over five years old and you don't have a customer list that you communicate with each month, you're not marketing effectively.
So here is a simple five step formula for effective marketing:
1. Identify
Figure out the intended market for your product. Identify the ideal customer in as detailed a description as possible. What do they read? What products or services do they buy that are related to your own?
2. Qualify
Your advertising will not promote your product or service. Your ad will focus on the most pressing problem that your service or product solves. The objective of you qualification advertising is to bring in qualified leads. The point of marketing is to find the prospects who need what you have or are willing to be persuaded to listen to what you have to offer.
3. Verify
You now verify your leads by making an offer. You make your pitch to the problems and or benefits that your prospects will think are important. If a prospect sees, the rewards are greater than the risks associated with commitment they will buy. If they don't, you need to move them into the next step.
4. Edify
If the prospect has not purchased your products after the closing process, it's time to educate them on a consistent basis. Teach them about the issues surrounding their issues and problems (those associated with your product or service, of course.). You can offer free information and surveys to these prospects to keep them acquainted with your brand. Send them your newsletter.
5. Multiply
As you build a list of customers, you'll continue to build a growing list of prospects. As you continue to add more customers, you'll need to add more related products and services. The beauty of the process is that it will be much easier to sell new products to your customer list than to your prospect list. Just keep the processes going.
Dennis Morales Francis is a consultant and coach for business professionals and wellness practitioners. His website, offers its members online coaching on building Internet income and automating their marketing on and off the web. Dennis is the author of "Double My Revenues In 12 Months or Less".
Go to http://www.doublemyrevenues.com/money.html to learn how to put $120,000 a year in your pocket by pressing a button on your PC. You don't want to miss this E-Tutorial.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Dynamic-Steps-To-Marketing-Anything-Successfully&id=1152083
5 Dynamic Steps To Marketing Anything Successfully
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis]Dennis Francis
Marketing is the most important thing you can do in business after developing a great and indispensable product or service. Marketing will be one of your major expenses in many cases if you're a service oriented business. If you produce a product, it will be a close second.
Many people don't understand the value of marketing and consider it an afterthought that's why they end up with sleepless nights worrying about slow periods, lack of sales and rising competition later on. They were not educated in the basic principles of marketing. What I'm about to show you is the basic formula for selling your product or service.
If you don't have enough customers to cover your expenses, you're not effectively marketing your business. If you're business is over five years old and you don't have a customer list that you communicate with each month, you're not marketing effectively.
So here is a simple five step formula for effective marketing:
1. Identify
Figure out the intended market for your product. Identify the ideal customer in as detailed a description as possible. What do they read? What products or services do they buy that are related to your own?
2. Qualify
Your advertising will not promote your product or service. Your ad will focus on the most pressing problem that your service or product solves. The objective of you qualification advertising is to bring in qualified leads. The point of marketing is to find the prospects who need what you have or are willing to be persuaded to listen to what you have to offer.
3. Verify
You now verify your leads by making an offer. You make your pitch to the problems and or benefits that your prospects will think are important. If a prospect sees, the rewards are greater than the risks associated with commitment they will buy. If they don't, you need to move them into the next step.
4. Edify
If the prospect has not purchased your products after the closing process, it's time to educate them on a consistent basis. Teach them about the issues surrounding their issues and problems (those associated with your product or service, of course.). You can offer free information and surveys to these prospects to keep them acquainted with your brand. Send them your newsletter.
5. Multiply
As you build a list of customers, you'll continue to build a growing list of prospects. As you continue to add more customers, you'll need to add more related products and services. The beauty of the process is that it will be much easier to sell new products to your customer list than to your prospect list. Just keep the processes going.
Dennis Morales Francis is a consultant and coach for business professionals and wellness practitioners. His website, offers its members online coaching on building Internet income and automating their marketing on and off the web. Dennis is the author of "Double My Revenues In 12 Months or Less".
Go to http://www.doublemyrevenues.com/money.html to learn how to put $120,000 a year in your pocket by pressing a button on your PC. You don't want to miss this E-Tutorial.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Francis http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Dynamic-Steps-To-Marketing-Anything-Successfully&id=1152083
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Global Marketing
Global Marketing
The Truth About Global Marketing With Article Marketing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter]Kristi Patrice Carter
Thanks to the vast reaches of the internet, global marketing is now possible for the average business owner, either the large corporation or the small privately run entity, to narrow the geographic divide.
The main point of search engine optimization (SEO) and reaching a global audience is not only to drive traffic to your site, but also to then convert those visitors from all over the world into paying customers. Web traffic and the ensuing exposure are nice, of course, but if those hits don't improve business and increase sales, what purpose do they really serve?
The Prime Components of Global Marketing With Article Marketing
Creating a Website
For article marketing to have even a chance at being effective, it's imperative for all businesses to have their own websites to link back to when submitting articles to search engines and article directories. Also, having your own domain name is always preferable over using a free site, as it lends an authentic feel that tells people they're dealing with a real company that's serious about their online business ventures.
Be sure to include your website address on all of your marketing materials, both online and off. Your business cards, banner ads, forum and blog posts, as well as every article you submit for publication should all have your site's URL, which should be something easy to spell and remember.
Global Promotion Using Articles
Successful global promotion must include a set plan that features a number of effective methods for spreading the word about your business or products. The distribution of press releases announcing important details and providing a newsworthy story about your business, as well as submitting your articles to article databases and posting them on blogs, will also help to get your name recognized quickly.
A well-written, full-length article on a particular niche or topic is a perfect addition to the innumerable snippets of information the many popular blogs feature. But wherever you decide post your articles, don't forget the all-important resource box for providing the pertinent details people will need to do business with you. This, of course, will include your website and email addresses, but may also include a brief biography about you or your company, along with other bits of contact data such as location and telephone or fax numbers.
Providing Accurate, Useful Information
By providing accurate information in your articles along with an irresistible or enticing offer when people arrive at your website, the chances of converting the casual visitor into a paying customer dramatically increase. It definitely pays off in the long run to take the time to explore and thoroughly research all avenues when it comes to expanding your business globally using article marketing and the various related techniques for increasing customer base and revenue.
Email Marketing
Email marketing can be an excellent way to globally promote your business, either through legitimate lists of email addresses that you can purchase, or through lists that you've collected yourself from visitors who've been to your site, or through some other means of internet marketing. Email marketing is similar to the direct mail type, but without the need to spend money on postage and mailing expenses, and is also the perfect extension to article marketing.
Global marketing utilizing the benefits of article marketing truly is the easiest and most cost-effective way of expanding business and your contacts, as well as reaching new and impressive sales records that may not have been possible before.
Are you a freelance writer who is tired of others profiting from your hard work and effort? Do you want to maximize your online income and secure financial freedom for you and your family? Now you can! Combine your writing talents with the power of Internet Marketing and watch your income soar! Visit http://www.internetmarketingwriter.com and join the new revolution of financially secure and joyous freelance writers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Global-Marketing-With-Article-Marketing&id=1007294
The Truth About Global Marketing With Article Marketing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter]Kristi Patrice Carter
Thanks to the vast reaches of the internet, global marketing is now possible for the average business owner, either the large corporation or the small privately run entity, to narrow the geographic divide.
The main point of search engine optimization (SEO) and reaching a global audience is not only to drive traffic to your site, but also to then convert those visitors from all over the world into paying customers. Web traffic and the ensuing exposure are nice, of course, but if those hits don't improve business and increase sales, what purpose do they really serve?
The Prime Components of Global Marketing With Article Marketing
Creating a Website
For article marketing to have even a chance at being effective, it's imperative for all businesses to have their own websites to link back to when submitting articles to search engines and article directories. Also, having your own domain name is always preferable over using a free site, as it lends an authentic feel that tells people they're dealing with a real company that's serious about their online business ventures.
Be sure to include your website address on all of your marketing materials, both online and off. Your business cards, banner ads, forum and blog posts, as well as every article you submit for publication should all have your site's URL, which should be something easy to spell and remember.
Global Promotion Using Articles
Successful global promotion must include a set plan that features a number of effective methods for spreading the word about your business or products. The distribution of press releases announcing important details and providing a newsworthy story about your business, as well as submitting your articles to article databases and posting them on blogs, will also help to get your name recognized quickly.
A well-written, full-length article on a particular niche or topic is a perfect addition to the innumerable snippets of information the many popular blogs feature. But wherever you decide post your articles, don't forget the all-important resource box for providing the pertinent details people will need to do business with you. This, of course, will include your website and email addresses, but may also include a brief biography about you or your company, along with other bits of contact data such as location and telephone or fax numbers.
Providing Accurate, Useful Information
By providing accurate information in your articles along with an irresistible or enticing offer when people arrive at your website, the chances of converting the casual visitor into a paying customer dramatically increase. It definitely pays off in the long run to take the time to explore and thoroughly research all avenues when it comes to expanding your business globally using article marketing and the various related techniques for increasing customer base and revenue.
Email Marketing
Email marketing can be an excellent way to globally promote your business, either through legitimate lists of email addresses that you can purchase, or through lists that you've collected yourself from visitors who've been to your site, or through some other means of internet marketing. Email marketing is similar to the direct mail type, but without the need to spend money on postage and mailing expenses, and is also the perfect extension to article marketing.
Global marketing utilizing the benefits of article marketing truly is the easiest and most cost-effective way of expanding business and your contacts, as well as reaching new and impressive sales records that may not have been possible before.
Are you a freelance writer who is tired of others profiting from your hard work and effort? Do you want to maximize your online income and secure financial freedom for you and your family? Now you can! Combine your writing talents with the power of Internet Marketing and watch your income soar! Visit http://www.internetmarketingwriter.com and join the new revolution of financially secure and joyous freelance writers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Global-Marketing-With-Article-Marketing&id=1007294
Monday, June 16, 2008
Marketing Strategies
Marketing Strategies
The Rules of Marketing Have Changed - Is Your Company Ready?
By Kevin J. Price
The latest "hot button" on my radio show is the importance of attracting buyers and not sellers in your marketing. It seems like a "no brainer," after all, no one purposefully seeks people who want to sell to them, they want to find people who want to make a purchase. Ironically, their marketing often has the exact opposite effect.
How does that happen? It is really quite simple. Every day, business people are eagerly developing slick radio, print, TV, and web ads with the intention of attracting new customers. The car dealer who is hoping to snag a few customers, the home builder developing a new subdivision, or the accountant wanting to help more businesses with their taxes. All with smart intentions, but they often suffer the wrong results.
When they write these ads they fill them with broad hyperbole that says little about the company, bore potential customers with songs they don't want to hear, or make claims that every other company can boast (you are open FIVE DAYS A WEEK? What a concept!).
Meanwhile there are untold numbers of account executives who are in desperate need of customers. There has been a major shift as to where people go for their news and information and most in media sales can't keep up with the changes. They are losing customers faster than they are gaining them.
So while the rest of us shun print advertisements, clever radio spots, TV ads, and other propaganda. These account executives often look for such content exclusively. They will spin their radios away from their favorite songs if they think there is a potential buyer -- that could be you -- out there waiting for them to call. Just think, spending thousands on an advertisement that solicits other advertisement sales people.
So what can buyers do differently? They can emphasize their differences with other companies by shying away from price competitive approaches and focusing on the things that separate them from the pack. They can position themselves as the expert and instead of placing their content where people don't watch, read, or listen, but where such gets attention. This form of sophisticated marketing makes a major difference in a company's performance.
So it is time to ask the question, is your marketing working for you or is it merely attracting more sales people?
Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (Monday through Friday at 1 PM on CNN 650), which is the longest running program on that station. An award winning author of several books, Kevin writes regularly in http://www.BizPlusBlog.com His website, [http://www.HoustonBusinessShow.com]http://www.HoustonBusinessShow.com, has continuously updated audio, video, and other content and is an online 24/7 media source. For more information contact [mailto:info@HoustonBusinessShow.com]info@HoustonBusinessShow.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_J._Price http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rules-of-Marketing-Have-Changed---Is-Your-Company-Ready?&id=1148163
The Rules of Marketing Have Changed - Is Your Company Ready?
By Kevin J. Price
The latest "hot button" on my radio show is the importance of attracting buyers and not sellers in your marketing. It seems like a "no brainer," after all, no one purposefully seeks people who want to sell to them, they want to find people who want to make a purchase. Ironically, their marketing often has the exact opposite effect.
How does that happen? It is really quite simple. Every day, business people are eagerly developing slick radio, print, TV, and web ads with the intention of attracting new customers. The car dealer who is hoping to snag a few customers, the home builder developing a new subdivision, or the accountant wanting to help more businesses with their taxes. All with smart intentions, but they often suffer the wrong results.
When they write these ads they fill them with broad hyperbole that says little about the company, bore potential customers with songs they don't want to hear, or make claims that every other company can boast (you are open FIVE DAYS A WEEK? What a concept!).
Meanwhile there are untold numbers of account executives who are in desperate need of customers. There has been a major shift as to where people go for their news and information and most in media sales can't keep up with the changes. They are losing customers faster than they are gaining them.
So while the rest of us shun print advertisements, clever radio spots, TV ads, and other propaganda. These account executives often look for such content exclusively. They will spin their radios away from their favorite songs if they think there is a potential buyer -- that could be you -- out there waiting for them to call. Just think, spending thousands on an advertisement that solicits other advertisement sales people.
So what can buyers do differently? They can emphasize their differences with other companies by shying away from price competitive approaches and focusing on the things that separate them from the pack. They can position themselves as the expert and instead of placing their content where people don't watch, read, or listen, but where such gets attention. This form of sophisticated marketing makes a major difference in a company's performance.
So it is time to ask the question, is your marketing working for you or is it merely attracting more sales people?
Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (Monday through Friday at 1 PM on CNN 650), which is the longest running program on that station. An award winning author of several books, Kevin writes regularly in http://www.BizPlusBlog.com His website, [http://www.HoustonBusinessShow.com]http://www.HoustonBusinessShow.com, has continuously updated audio, video, and other content and is an online 24/7 media source. For more information contact [mailto:info@HoustonBusinessShow.com]info@HoustonBusinessShow.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_J._Price http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rules-of-Marketing-Have-Changed---Is-Your-Company-Ready?&id=1148163
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Small Business Marketing
Small Business Marketing
How to Market Your Small Business
By Kaye Marks
The first step to small business marketing is to identify and exploit the differences between you and your competitors. Once you do that, you need to communicate these differences and the benefits of customers choosing you over the competition with your marketing materials.
These materials, such as brochures, newsletters and even full color business cards, will really help you to market your business. These materials can save you a lot of time and energy that you would have spent talking to clients and explaining your business to potential customers. Not to say that talking directly to your customers is not important; it is. However, you can reach a lot more people in a shorter amount of time by mailing out brochures rather than going door to door to sell your product.
There are six steps for creating most marketing material, according to the Microsoft Small Business Council:
1. Set a goal.
2. Select the medium (brochure, flyer, etc.).
3. Compose your message and decide on how to illustrate it.
4. Create a design.
5. Prepare, proof and print your work.
6. Duplicate the final project in large quantities.
Along the way, you should keep in mind the following tips:
Look Everywhere for Ideas (especially your competition)
Now, this is not to say steal your competition's ideas, but think about the message they are trying to convey, and if they are getting that message across to you. If so, what makes their materials work? Why are you receiving that message? Is it a catchy slogan? Great color scheme? What about their business card printing quality? Did they use thick or thin cardstock and what does each option convey to you? Question why they did what they did and put that same thought into your materials. You should have a good reason for each decision you make, from color scheme to your logo.
Show the Customer How Your Product Benefits Them
Your company may be made up of wonderful, top-notch employees, but will the customer care? Focus your message on the customer and how your product will help that person with whatever problem they have. Show them how much easier or happier life would be with your product.
Don't Be Afraid of Drafts
Rarely will your first idea be your final one. It is okay to have many rough ideas -no one has to know how many ideas you rejected before you found the perfect marketing strategy. Brainstorm with other employees, or pay a consultant to help you come up with ideas. Also, do not be afraid to leave your ideas for a while. Work on your materials, put them away for a day, and then come back to them with a fresh mind to determine which ideas will work and which will not.
Get Some Reactions
Show your ideas to people who know nothing about your business or product. Share your thoughts with professionals in other realms, like graphic designers or writers. Try to get people that match your target audience to look at your materials and give you their honest feedback.
Get Help
If you do not feel comfortable with your writing, designing or production skills, ask for (or pay for) help from professionals. A lot of print and design companies do business card printing so you can have a streamlined look across the board, from brochures to full color business cards. Professional-looking materials will show your customers that you are serious about winning their business.
Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of developments in [http://www.printplace.com/printing/business-card-printing.aspx]business card printing and the production of [http://www.printplace.com/printing/color-business-cards.aspx]full color business cards and their benefits to businesses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Marks http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Market-Your-Small-Business&id=1149466
How to Market Your Small Business
By Kaye Marks
The first step to small business marketing is to identify and exploit the differences between you and your competitors. Once you do that, you need to communicate these differences and the benefits of customers choosing you over the competition with your marketing materials.
These materials, such as brochures, newsletters and even full color business cards, will really help you to market your business. These materials can save you a lot of time and energy that you would have spent talking to clients and explaining your business to potential customers. Not to say that talking directly to your customers is not important; it is. However, you can reach a lot more people in a shorter amount of time by mailing out brochures rather than going door to door to sell your product.
There are six steps for creating most marketing material, according to the Microsoft Small Business Council:
1. Set a goal.
2. Select the medium (brochure, flyer, etc.).
3. Compose your message and decide on how to illustrate it.
4. Create a design.
5. Prepare, proof and print your work.
6. Duplicate the final project in large quantities.
Along the way, you should keep in mind the following tips:
Look Everywhere for Ideas (especially your competition)
Now, this is not to say steal your competition's ideas, but think about the message they are trying to convey, and if they are getting that message across to you. If so, what makes their materials work? Why are you receiving that message? Is it a catchy slogan? Great color scheme? What about their business card printing quality? Did they use thick or thin cardstock and what does each option convey to you? Question why they did what they did and put that same thought into your materials. You should have a good reason for each decision you make, from color scheme to your logo.
Show the Customer How Your Product Benefits Them
Your company may be made up of wonderful, top-notch employees, but will the customer care? Focus your message on the customer and how your product will help that person with whatever problem they have. Show them how much easier or happier life would be with your product.
Don't Be Afraid of Drafts
Rarely will your first idea be your final one. It is okay to have many rough ideas -no one has to know how many ideas you rejected before you found the perfect marketing strategy. Brainstorm with other employees, or pay a consultant to help you come up with ideas. Also, do not be afraid to leave your ideas for a while. Work on your materials, put them away for a day, and then come back to them with a fresh mind to determine which ideas will work and which will not.
Get Some Reactions
Show your ideas to people who know nothing about your business or product. Share your thoughts with professionals in other realms, like graphic designers or writers. Try to get people that match your target audience to look at your materials and give you their honest feedback.
Get Help
If you do not feel comfortable with your writing, designing or production skills, ask for (or pay for) help from professionals. A lot of print and design companies do business card printing so you can have a streamlined look across the board, from brochures to full color business cards. Professional-looking materials will show your customers that you are serious about winning their business.
Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of developments in [http://www.printplace.com/printing/business-card-printing.aspx]business card printing and the production of [http://www.printplace.com/printing/color-business-cards.aspx]full color business cards and their benefits to businesses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Marks http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Market-Your-Small-Business&id=1149466
Small Business Marketing
Small Business Marketing
How to Market Your Small Business
By Kaye Marks
The first step to small business marketing is to identify and exploit the differences between you and your competitors. Once you do that, you need to communicate these differences and the benefits of customers choosing you over the competition with your marketing materials.
These materials, such as brochures, newsletters and even full color business cards, will really help you to market your business. These materials can save you a lot of time and energy that you would have spent talking to clients and explaining your business to potential customers. Not to say that talking directly to your customers is not important; it is. However, you can reach a lot more people in a shorter amount of time by mailing out brochures rather than going door to door to sell your product.
There are six steps for creating most marketing material, according to the Microsoft Small Business Council:
1. Set a goal.
2. Select the medium (brochure, flyer, etc.).
3. Compose your message and decide on how to illustrate it.
4. Create a design.
5. Prepare, proof and print your work.
6. Duplicate the final project in large quantities.
Along the way, you should keep in mind the following tips:
Look Everywhere for Ideas (especially your competition)
Now, this is not to say steal your competition's ideas, but think about the message they are trying to convey, and if they are getting that message across to you. If so, what makes their materials work? Why are you receiving that message? Is it a catchy slogan? Great color scheme? What about their business card printing quality? Did they use thick or thin cardstock and what does each option convey to you? Question why they did what they did and put that same thought into your materials. You should have a good reason for each decision you make, from color scheme to your logo.
Show the Customer How Your Product Benefits Them
Your company may be made up of wonderful, top-notch employees, but will the customer care? Focus your message on the customer and how your product will help that person with whatever problem they have. Show them how much easier or happier life would be with your product.
Don't Be Afraid of Drafts
Rarely will your first idea be your final one. It is okay to have many rough ideas -no one has to know how many ideas you rejected before you found the perfect marketing strategy. Brainstorm with other employees, or pay a consultant to help you come up with ideas. Also, do not be afraid to leave your ideas for a while. Work on your materials, put them away for a day, and then come back to them with a fresh mind to determine which ideas will work and which will not.
Get Some Reactions
Show your ideas to people who know nothing about your business or product. Share your thoughts with professionals in other realms, like graphic designers or writers. Try to get people that match your target audience to look at your materials and give you their honest feedback.
Get Help
If you do not feel comfortable with your writing, designing or production skills, ask for (or pay for) help from professionals. A lot of print and design companies do business card printing so you can have a streamlined look across the board, from brochures to full color business cards. Professional-looking materials will show your customers that you are serious about winning their business.
Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of developments in [http://www.printplace.com/printing/business-card-printing.aspx]business card printing and the production of [http://www.printplace.com/printing/color-business-cards.aspx]full color business cards and their benefits to businesses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Marks http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Market-Your-Small-Business&id=1149466
How to Market Your Small Business
By Kaye Marks
The first step to small business marketing is to identify and exploit the differences between you and your competitors. Once you do that, you need to communicate these differences and the benefits of customers choosing you over the competition with your marketing materials.
These materials, such as brochures, newsletters and even full color business cards, will really help you to market your business. These materials can save you a lot of time and energy that you would have spent talking to clients and explaining your business to potential customers. Not to say that talking directly to your customers is not important; it is. However, you can reach a lot more people in a shorter amount of time by mailing out brochures rather than going door to door to sell your product.
There are six steps for creating most marketing material, according to the Microsoft Small Business Council:
1. Set a goal.
2. Select the medium (brochure, flyer, etc.).
3. Compose your message and decide on how to illustrate it.
4. Create a design.
5. Prepare, proof and print your work.
6. Duplicate the final project in large quantities.
Along the way, you should keep in mind the following tips:
Look Everywhere for Ideas (especially your competition)
Now, this is not to say steal your competition's ideas, but think about the message they are trying to convey, and if they are getting that message across to you. If so, what makes their materials work? Why are you receiving that message? Is it a catchy slogan? Great color scheme? What about their business card printing quality? Did they use thick or thin cardstock and what does each option convey to you? Question why they did what they did and put that same thought into your materials. You should have a good reason for each decision you make, from color scheme to your logo.
Show the Customer How Your Product Benefits Them
Your company may be made up of wonderful, top-notch employees, but will the customer care? Focus your message on the customer and how your product will help that person with whatever problem they have. Show them how much easier or happier life would be with your product.
Don't Be Afraid of Drafts
Rarely will your first idea be your final one. It is okay to have many rough ideas -no one has to know how many ideas you rejected before you found the perfect marketing strategy. Brainstorm with other employees, or pay a consultant to help you come up with ideas. Also, do not be afraid to leave your ideas for a while. Work on your materials, put them away for a day, and then come back to them with a fresh mind to determine which ideas will work and which will not.
Get Some Reactions
Show your ideas to people who know nothing about your business or product. Share your thoughts with professionals in other realms, like graphic designers or writers. Try to get people that match your target audience to look at your materials and give you their honest feedback.
Get Help
If you do not feel comfortable with your writing, designing or production skills, ask for (or pay for) help from professionals. A lot of print and design companies do business card printing so you can have a streamlined look across the board, from brochures to full color business cards. Professional-looking materials will show your customers that you are serious about winning their business.
Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of developments in [http://www.printplace.com/printing/business-card-printing.aspx]business card printing and the production of [http://www.printplace.com/printing/color-business-cards.aspx]full color business cards and their benefits to businesses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Marks http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Market-Your-Small-Business&id=1149466
Friday, June 13, 2008
Marketing Strategies
Marketing Strategies
Tune in to WIIFM
By Renee Barber
Many businesses bemoan the downturn in sales and ‘lack of customer loyalty’. (One of the terms for these types of consumers is: ‘brand tarts’). They try to pinpoint the source of the problem with expensive consultants or simply throw advertising dollars at the issue, only to end up bewildered (and jaded) when they don’t work. What’s the solution? Believe it or not, the first step may just be to switch radio stations.
One of my first instructors in my marketing course mentioned that we should tune into the WIIFM radio station as our assignment for the week. With no small amount of confusion, we all looked at each other and wondered if our instructor badly needed a holiday.
When our instructor wrote down this acronym, the lights began to go on:
WIIFM = ‘What’s in it for me?’
Every time you draft a direct sales letter, or write that award-winning copy for a glitzy brochure, you need to keep that little statement in mind.
Sure, you want to sell 100,000 of your nice, shiny products, but what does your consumer want?
Customers who buy boats don’t just want to get from point A to point B.
Home builders don’t sell a house; they sell a lifestyle.
Customers who need a web site don’t (necessarily) want the most technologically advanced site in the world. (Sorry, but this isn’t just an exercise for folio building!) They want a marketing tool that gets results.
As soon as you start picking up on the waves from WIIFM, and creating marketing materials that are attuned to your customer’s needs, the results will be music to your ears.
Renée Barber is the owner/operator of Rising Star Designs & Communication. She is based in Melbourne, Australia, but accepts clients from around the world (have PayPal, will travel). If you require a designer who writes, or a writer who designs, you've found the right person.
Most people would agree that a picture is worth a thousand words, but anyone who has ever read a profoundly moving book also knows that 'word pictures' are no less powerful or creative than a painting. Bringing that same ethos to business communication is what Rising Star Designs & Communication is all about.
If you want a company which creates communication, not just ads—or builds bridges with your customers, not just web sites—contact Renée today.
Rising Star Designs & Communication 'the perfect marriage of words and design' http://www.risingstardesigns.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Barber
Tune in to WIIFM
By Renee Barber
Many businesses bemoan the downturn in sales and ‘lack of customer loyalty’. (One of the terms for these types of consumers is: ‘brand tarts’). They try to pinpoint the source of the problem with expensive consultants or simply throw advertising dollars at the issue, only to end up bewildered (and jaded) when they don’t work. What’s the solution? Believe it or not, the first step may just be to switch radio stations.
One of my first instructors in my marketing course mentioned that we should tune into the WIIFM radio station as our assignment for the week. With no small amount of confusion, we all looked at each other and wondered if our instructor badly needed a holiday.
When our instructor wrote down this acronym, the lights began to go on:
WIIFM = ‘What’s in it for me?’
Every time you draft a direct sales letter, or write that award-winning copy for a glitzy brochure, you need to keep that little statement in mind.
Sure, you want to sell 100,000 of your nice, shiny products, but what does your consumer want?
Customers who buy boats don’t just want to get from point A to point B.
Home builders don’t sell a house; they sell a lifestyle.
Customers who need a web site don’t (necessarily) want the most technologically advanced site in the world. (Sorry, but this isn’t just an exercise for folio building!) They want a marketing tool that gets results.
As soon as you start picking up on the waves from WIIFM, and creating marketing materials that are attuned to your customer’s needs, the results will be music to your ears.
Renée Barber is the owner/operator of Rising Star Designs & Communication. She is based in Melbourne, Australia, but accepts clients from around the world (have PayPal, will travel). If you require a designer who writes, or a writer who designs, you've found the right person.
Most people would agree that a picture is worth a thousand words, but anyone who has ever read a profoundly moving book also knows that 'word pictures' are no less powerful or creative than a painting. Bringing that same ethos to business communication is what Rising Star Designs & Communication is all about.
If you want a company which creates communication, not just ads—or builds bridges with your customers, not just web sites—contact Renée today.
Rising Star Designs & Communication 'the perfect marriage of words and design' http://www.risingstardesigns.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Barber
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Electronic Marketing
Electronic Marketing
How To Use eBooks for Marketing Your Online Business
by Pablo Monti
There are innumerable ways to use ebooks to promote your business and drive quality traffic to your website. Once posted on your site, you can turn them into a daily course, which brings your customer back to read the next chapter. You can use them as a free gift for making a purchase or for filling out a survey. Put your ebook on a disc, and you will have an innovative brochure. Blow your competition away by inserting the disc into your sales packages.
The most effective marketing products are those that are unique. Copyright your ebook, and immediately, you have a powerful tool that you, and you alone, can offer to the public. People will have to visit your site to acquire your ebook, which increases the flow of quality traffic and the potential of sales and affiliate contacts.
Make sure that you keep your ebook current. Update it frequently as the market and trends change. Add new advice and techniques to show your prospects how your goods or services can enrich their lives. By constantly keeping abreast of new trends and techniques, you can continue to see profits from your ebook for years after your original creation.
Another huge advantage of ebooks is that you can test their marketing potential without putting out hardly any cash at all. You can even produce an ebook one copy at a time, each time you receive an order, eliminating the need for storage and inventory. By this method, you can gauge the saleablity of your ebook, and make adjustments as necessary until the orders start pouring in. Ebooks allow you to learn about your market and customer habits and motivation over a period of time, without risking your precious financial resources. They also provide you with an invaluable way to gather marketing information, which you can use in many different facets of your online business.
Use your ebook to discover what the specific goals and problems are in your specific industry. Then figure out how to solve these problems, and publish an ebook with this invaluable information. This will increase the value of your business, upgrade your reputation, and get you known as an expert in your field.
You can extend the value of single ebook by breaking the book down into chapters for an online or email course, into special reports available on your website, or into audio or visual tapes. Ebooks can be broken down into several different promotional materials by excepting some of the articles and using them to promote your product. You can include a catalog in your ebook to promote all the products or services you sell. You can include a thank-you note for reading your book and an invitation to download a trial version of your product. Or you can include a form for your audience to contact you for further information or with questions, thereby building your business relationships and your mailing list.
Using ebooks in this manner helps to cut the cost of individually producing separate promotional materials. You can use a single ebook to entice new prospects and to sell new products to your current customers.
No other medium has this kind of flexibility and ability for expansion. Think of your ebook like a spider spinning a beautiful and intricate web. Now go and create that web, and see how many customers and leads you can catch on your web!
Article Re-print Rights Information
You may re-print the article published in this email as long as you comply with following terms:
Article must be published "as is" (unedited). Article must be published with below the author's bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information included. URL in the resource box should be set as hyperlinks. Article cannot be used in spam communications Bio paragraph (resource box) below:
Did you find those tips on this article useful? You can learn a lot more about How to use ebooks to promote your online business at Pedro M website. You can sign up for his free Newsletter and get additional information at: http://www.Greathowtoebooks.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com
How To Use eBooks for Marketing Your Online Business
by Pablo Monti
There are innumerable ways to use ebooks to promote your business and drive quality traffic to your website. Once posted on your site, you can turn them into a daily course, which brings your customer back to read the next chapter. You can use them as a free gift for making a purchase or for filling out a survey. Put your ebook on a disc, and you will have an innovative brochure. Blow your competition away by inserting the disc into your sales packages.
The most effective marketing products are those that are unique. Copyright your ebook, and immediately, you have a powerful tool that you, and you alone, can offer to the public. People will have to visit your site to acquire your ebook, which increases the flow of quality traffic and the potential of sales and affiliate contacts.
Make sure that you keep your ebook current. Update it frequently as the market and trends change. Add new advice and techniques to show your prospects how your goods or services can enrich their lives. By constantly keeping abreast of new trends and techniques, you can continue to see profits from your ebook for years after your original creation.
Another huge advantage of ebooks is that you can test their marketing potential without putting out hardly any cash at all. You can even produce an ebook one copy at a time, each time you receive an order, eliminating the need for storage and inventory. By this method, you can gauge the saleablity of your ebook, and make adjustments as necessary until the orders start pouring in. Ebooks allow you to learn about your market and customer habits and motivation over a period of time, without risking your precious financial resources. They also provide you with an invaluable way to gather marketing information, which you can use in many different facets of your online business.
Use your ebook to discover what the specific goals and problems are in your specific industry. Then figure out how to solve these problems, and publish an ebook with this invaluable information. This will increase the value of your business, upgrade your reputation, and get you known as an expert in your field.
You can extend the value of single ebook by breaking the book down into chapters for an online or email course, into special reports available on your website, or into audio or visual tapes. Ebooks can be broken down into several different promotional materials by excepting some of the articles and using them to promote your product. You can include a catalog in your ebook to promote all the products or services you sell. You can include a thank-you note for reading your book and an invitation to download a trial version of your product. Or you can include a form for your audience to contact you for further information or with questions, thereby building your business relationships and your mailing list.
Using ebooks in this manner helps to cut the cost of individually producing separate promotional materials. You can use a single ebook to entice new prospects and to sell new products to your current customers.
No other medium has this kind of flexibility and ability for expansion. Think of your ebook like a spider spinning a beautiful and intricate web. Now go and create that web, and see how many customers and leads you can catch on your web!
Article Re-print Rights Information
You may re-print the article published in this email as long as you comply with following terms:
Article must be published "as is" (unedited). Article must be published with below the author's bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information included. URL in the resource box should be set as hyperlinks. Article cannot be used in spam communications Bio paragraph (resource box) below:
Did you find those tips on this article useful? You can learn a lot more about How to use ebooks to promote your online business at Pedro M website. You can sign up for his free Newsletter and get additional information at: http://www.Greathowtoebooks.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com
