Paper Peviews

Being an entrepreneur is more challenging than ever. It’s difficult to stay ahead as the little guy. Large corporations have access to marketing professionals and millions to spend on advertising while internet companies have lots of tricks to channel online traffic to their websites. But don’t file for bankruptcy just yet. In addition to the traditional strategies of promotion and advertising, there is a whole myriad ofare many simple yet creative ways to attract attention to your little company. Among these methods include clever usage of business cards and postcards.

Don’t underestimate the power of those tiny, rectangular pieces of paper that contain your name, company name and important contact information. While they ought not to be guarded and locked away, they shouldn’t be scattered all over town haphazardly either. Some of the more conventional methods of distributing these little advertising gems are during meetings and chance encounters. They can also be offered after striking up a conversation with anyone while out and about. One could even innocently ask a stranger what they think of the design or logo and let them keep a sample. Get the permission of restaurant managers and other shop owners to place some of your materials on their counter near the cash register. When possible, it would be a nice gesture to put some of their promotional materials in your store as well, provided they are not in direct competition with your company.

Thank past customers for their patronage and send notes with “valued customer only” offers to entice them into coming back. Or, offer special discounts when a referral results in a sale. In addition to contacting current customers, send a mass mailing to the local residents who would most likely be interested in your products and services. The object is to notify as many potential customers as possible to annual or seasonal sales events.

Fliers and notes are basic, although useful in the advertising game. Perhaps your company could get that extra edge by utilizing objects that have an alternate use. Anything that can be printed upon is a viable option. A personal trainer could use a stretchy exercise band to promote her services while a chimney sweep might opt to print his information on a book of matches. The options are only limited by your imagination, and perhaps a little by your budget as well.

Don’t forget about the most widely used form of advertising—the internet. It doesn’t matter whether or not your company is web based or you have an actual store front. Instead of investing a lot of money by hiring a webpage designer, you could learn fairly easily how to get something up and running very quickly. Once your company is posted online, you’ve just opened yourself up to countless potential new customers.

With the state of the economy these days, companies must be creative and persistent in attracting new customers and maintaining the ones they already have. Using both established promotional strategies and the latest technology is the only way to succeed.