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February 14, 2011

Tips To Do Small Business Marketing On A Shoestring Budget

Filed under: Small Business Tips — Tags: Budget, Business, Marketing, Shoestring, Small, Tips — admin @ 9:19 pm

Tips To Do Small Business Marketing On A Shoestring Budget

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Home Page > Business > Public Relations > Tips To Do Small Business Marketing On A Shoestring Budget

Tips To Do Small Business Marketing On A Shoestring Budget

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A lot of small businesses don’t allocate much money to their marketing budget. But even a little bit of money can go a long way, especially when marketing online. The internet presents a great opportunity to even a one-person business who has the ability to use the web to reach a wide audience — with minimal spend. The right business marketing technique can help you take a small business marketing budget and grow your business substantially.

Search Engine Optimisation

One tip to grow your small business with the internet is to optimise your website so that it is search engine friendly. Learn as much as you can about SEO (search engine optimisation) so you can get free traffic. It does take effort to optimise your site so that search engines take notice but this costs considerably less than many other marketing methods and it is the most effective form of online marketing there is. If your website is the first result when people search for the product or service you sell, you have a good chance of making a sale. There are small business SEO specialists that can help you do this.

Search engine marketing techniques, such as pay per click campaigns, can be effective but they cost money per click and not every paid click will result in a sale. When you have an optimised site that attracts people naturally, you are going to get more results. The fact that it will cost you less than, say, a Google Adwords campaign means that you can do more with less in terms of marketing budgets. Many small businesses divide some of their budget between pay per click campaigns and organic SEO. This can be a good approach. Try to dominate both the left and the right side of the search engine results pages and this increases your marketing reach without breaking the bank.

Social Media Optimisation

Small businesses often build their business on relationships. Social media tools allow you to do that. You can use social marketing tools to help you reach your customers so that you can get new customers and so that you can sell repeatedly to existing customers. Social tools can also help you optimise your website for search engines as well as create follower lists so that your updates are read. These tools don’t cost money; they cost time and effort. You may want to have a social marketing guru help you figure out which of the many tools out there could provide you with the maximum return on your investment and some marketing companies will take on the outsourcing of your social marketing campaign for you.

Just because you’re a small business doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be marketing. Small business marketing consultants can help you — even if you cannot spend tens of thousands on marketing each month.

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Chris Jenkinson provides small business marketing services to a wide array of clients. He also shares business advice on the GizTheBiz blog.

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January 8, 2011

Effective PR for a Small Business on a Budget: Get Local and Get Online!

Filed under: Small Business Tips — Tags: Budget, Business, Effective, Local, Online, Small — admin @ 9:06 am

Effective PR for a Small Business on a Budget: Get Local and Get Online!

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Home Page > Business > Small Business > Effective PR for a Small Business on a Budget: Get Local and Get Online!

Effective PR for a Small Business on a Budget: Get Local and Get Online!

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Posted: Sep 01, 2009 |Comments: 0
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If yours is like most small businesses, you can’t afford the luxury of a PR department, much less a dedicated PR agency or even one employee responsible for external communications and PR. However, this business function is critical as the world of communications continues to expand with new applications, demands and opportunities like social media networks. The thought of a concerted PR strategy and execution can be overwhelming for a small business owner, but it doesn’t have to be. There are two primary elements of PR for a small business to engage upon – leveraging online and local offline outlets. The old world of face-to-face will continue to be critical in building your PR strategy and overall business, but let’s face it – the environment has changed, and you simply can’t ignore the power of the Web, particularly social networks. Proactively getting your business out in the community while leveraging the Web will ensure the success of your PR strategy. And, these tactics are not expensive; in fact, many present opportunities for free PR for your small business.

These PR strategy tips are designed for those small businesses that simply don’t have budget allocated toward hiring and retaining a communications expert. If you are a smaller company, hopefully you can take a few tips below to integrate PR into your small business to help build a brand and generate leads. Utilizing informative, valuable PR about your small business gives you the opportunity to influence people and lead them to your destination – your website, your store, your offering. Take advantage of what’s out there! Get online and get local – it’s that simple.

Growing Your PR Strategy

Grow Online

If you don’t have a website, you need to get one immediately. Today, you can get a starter site for free or within your communications packages from your voice and data provider. If it’s in the package, then it’s a no-brainer. If you have a website, then make sure it’s dynamic (video, blogs, and communities) to ensure your target audience comes back and builds a relationship with you and your brand. It’s a requirement in today’s online world; the days of stagnant sites are over. Then, once you have your interactive site, make sure you optimize your website and everything you say about your business online to ensure your potential customers are finding you online when they search. This is a key part of your online PR strategy. Don’t you search Google or Bing to find what you need a pinch? It’s called Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and it can be an affordable way to create additional PR for your small business — and it’s often found in your communications and IT packages. At the very least, getting a URL allows you to be FOUND online and that’s key. Google now provides maps when visitors are looking for a specific service in a specific area. By simply having an Internet address – you can be found online looking professional with a map to your location and link to your business, which is pretty cool.

The Wild World of Social Media

You have probably heard about “social media” and you may already be taking part. For many, however, the world of Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, blogs, vlogs and status updates may be a bit unsettling. Suffice it to say – these are powerful tools to help you carry out your PR strategy, especially when used properly to connect, communicate and yes, to sell.

As a small business, you can’t afford NOT to take part. It’s easy and affordable, so don’t waste anymore time. Of course, you do need to understand how best to engage before you jump in. Here are a few quick ways to start creating more PR for your small business:

1 – Create a Twitter profile and gain followers by “Tweeting” about your business, surrounding businesses and community topics that map back to your business. Build buzz about what you provide – can you Tweet special coupons? Can you give advice? Can you share relevant information to your community? Do you have an event you want to invite local prospects to? Twitter, an emerging PR strategy with an increasing audience, is a great way to quickly (140 characters or less) get a message out and position yourself as a leader. Remember, it’s not all about you; you must talk about the world around you to make an impact. Start off Tweeting about your business, but quickly begin integrating Tweets about your customers, your community, and your industry – and the most important part is to provide some kind of value or benefit in your tweets. Be respectable as well. And if you see someone comment about your business online (good or bad) – respond online for all to see. It’s a great way to show you are committed to your customers. The cost to you? It’s essentially free PR for your small business.

2 – Create free profiles on Linked In and Facebook. All you need for Linked In is a profile of you, and from there, you can create a group where you can share stories, news, and other PR about your small business. People can ping you for questions which positions you as an expert and, you can join interest groups that will help you track what other potential buyers in your community do, say and think. For Facebook, simply select “business” on the homepage to create a business “fan” page. Local residents, family and friends can then become “fans” of your company, which is an easy way to highlight the most recent PR about your small business. All you have to do is commit to posting news, updates, coupons, photos and other interactive content to get people engaged. Remember – provide a benefit – a reason for your “fans” to come back for more.

In addition to these PR strategy tips, there are local meet-up groups in every community that often originate from the Web, and then meet offline to have a real interactive discussion. Check out Meetup.com in your area to find one.

Confused about this new world of social media? Read Groundswell by two Forrester Research analysts, Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff. This book will set you straight and get you excited about the opportunities out there in terms of online PR for your small business.

Grow Local

Much like how consumers like to buy from locally grown farms, small businesses tend to buy from their peers – other small businesses. An effective PR strategy is all about supporting your local communities, and these days, that’s more important than ever. Keeping this in mind, focus on your community by generating PR for your small business at local events. Depending on your business, there are often specialty groups for different types of businesses such as professional service specialty groups. Often these groups gather monthly or quarterly to share best practices and to network. There are certainly general small business groups in your community such as your local Chamber that meet regularly as well. Beyond networking events, you can get ink for your business. Most Chambers have monthly newsletters or emails. Do you have something to say? Could you contribute twice a year with a special promotion to drive people to your business? Take advantage of these opportunities to fuel word-of-mouth marketing through PR for your small business. Hand out business cards, build relationships and follow-up. These opportunities are right outside your door.

Think grassroots.

Shake hands with other small businesses owners, refer each other and grow your business. To improve PR for your small business, think about what events are taking place this weekend where you could set up space, hand out collateral, serve up some hotdogs, and generate solid leads. Is there an art show or “Taste Of” type of event? Don’t take it all on yourself; partner with other local businesses right in your area to split costs and cross-sell to each other’s customers. A hand-shake goes a long way towards an effective PR strategy. Add a coupon and see the results. Most communities have annual events that bring hundreds/thousands of people – target those. In terms of PR for a small business, the best thing you can do is to connect directly to your audience by showing your personality and your value – get out there!

Leverage Local Media.

Another important element of your PR strategy involves local brand development, which means building relationships with local media. Yes, there is still benefit in reaching out to traditional media when it comes to PR for your small business. Take a moment to find out who your local reporters are and introduce yourself. Share with your new media contacts areas of expertise that you would be able to discuss if requested. If you create a relationship with your local media and have something compelling or contrarian to say, chances are they will call you when they need your input. Consider a quick email to your local reporters with an introduction, a quick reference of your expertise and what you could comment on. Being timely and relevant is critical to your PR strategy. Offer a cup of coffee. Those relationships can go a long way when you really want to make noise in the community. It’s important to know that if you want coverage and/or additional PR for your small business – you won’t get it with a cold pitch. You must: 1) – establish a relationship; 2) – have news to share that’s relevant, unique or at least different; and 3) – have a product/or service that is remarkable. These rules ring true for influential bloggers as well. For more on being remarkable, read Seth Godin’s Purple Cow – a great, quick read that will get you thinking about how to stand out from the rest to grow your business.

Blending Old and New: Building PR for a Small Business

Hopefully these PR strategy tips will help you build a brand for your small business and generate new and recurring business via PR. Communicating to customers and enabling them to communicate back to you is essential in today’s social world of media. However, what remains important today as it did 100 years ago is the face-to-face interaction. Nothing will replace it, so make sure you show your face and personality in the community. Coupling the old with the new will ensure a successful PR strategy for your small business.

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Shana began her career with international PR firm Porter Novelli in 1999, which was focused primarily on technology clients such as PeopleSoft, HP, Motorola, Sage Software and Witness Systems. Shana led strategic PR programs driving media and analyst relations, creative online/offline campaigns and providing strategic council, with many of her clients strategically focused on the small business audience. Today, Shana is the PR director for Cbeyond, a provider of comprehensive Internet and phone services for today’s growing small business. Shana’s passion lies in driving results via PR. Follow Shana at Twitter.com/Shanak77 or at Facebook.com/ShanaKeith. For more information on Cbeyond, please visit www.cbeyond.net.

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December 26, 2010

How to Improve Your Budget with Small Business Tips

Filed under: Small Business Tips — Tags: Budget, Business, Improve, Small, Tips — admin @ 9:11 am

How to Improve Your Budget with Small Business Tips

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How to Improve Your Budget with Small Business Tips

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One can have multiple lobs in order to earn more and save some. The money can be a good fall back when hard times come. One cannot always be sure whenever an accident happens or when a family member gets sick. Another source of money is as important as having a stable job. It is a must in our world today where security is as changing as woman’s mind.

Taking multiple jobs at the same time to have another source of cash may seem alright and may also be the easiest way. That, however, is not a fact. Taking multiple jobs may give you more problems than you can think of. Fatigue, lack of sleep, and being uncomfortable may hinder productiveness and then may lead to a bad end to a job. Worst case scenario, all the jobs would be lost.

Earning more means working more. But, how can the possibilities of unproductiveness must be eliminated? How can it be resolved so that earning extra and securing more income might not be hassle anymore? One of the better solutions is to work at home. This way, it won’t be too uncomfortable. The working conditions can be controlled and be manipulated according to the likes and whims of the worker. In effect, it would eliminate as much as possible, the possibility of unproductiveness.

Earning extra money at home can also solve some problems inherent in taking multiple jobs. Safety is one important point. Muggers, robbers, and common criminals can be avoided. Life is priceless. It can be insured in money but the best Personal-Liability-Insurance is to protect it from anything that might extinguish it. Cost is another one. The cost of transportation is erased from the expenses. The money intended for the transportation cost can be then used as another form of savings.

The best way to earn money from home is to be your own boss. This is the most ideal type of job that can give security and money from the comforts of your home. An online business is the best way to be productive at home. It may come with risks, however, the risks is worth it. It is one of the certified ways to earn a six figure income while working at home. This is already a bargain since the hassles of taking multiple jobs at the same time is already eliminated.

The next problem would be setting up an online business. Grants for small businesses are available for people interested in starting a business. Applying for grants like this can help build businesses from scratch. There is no catch. It only aims to help people and give them the chance to earn extra money home with these kinds of grants. Businesses like this can help individuals secure their future with minimal risks. The risks from working multiple jobs would be then eliminated and in turn, it would a person productive. Productivity, in effect would lead to success and security for yourself and your own family in the future.

Business insurance for your living helps you to plan for your life. Don’t miss the information about personal liability insurance it will assure the safety of your money and your business. Try to learn more about its different benefits Click here for more details, you will never regret its capabilities.

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June 25, 2010

Business Tips For Small Business Owners

Filed under: Small Business Tips — Tags: Advetising, Budget, Business, Business Tips, Coustomers, Hordings, Internet Today, Internet World, Marketing Techniques, News Paper, Owners, Pay Per Click, Satisfaction, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Search Optimization, Sem, Seo Optimization, Small, Small Business Owner, Small Business Owners, Sourse, Target Goals, Tips — admin @ 7:46 pm

Business tips for small Business owners

Seo stands for search engine optimization. and any small business owner will be trying to advertise his products, but they find it difficult to advertise there products will less budget.

Small business owners to advertise there products only see news paper or pomplets or hordings as the sourse for advetising there products, but the one and most important thing ignored by business owners is internet. Today millions of dollars of business is dotn through online.so small business owners should understand the importance of online business and targeting the customers through online.

Small Business owners should try to employ latest technologies which are cheap and best to target the customers . Business involves selling the products using many marketing techniques. Marketing is not just selling goods, it also involves coustomers satisfaction, customers get satisfied only when his requirements are full filled.

But if the small business owners concentrat in seo, sem or ppc they can advertise there products in a cheaper way. but seo some times can be costlier, but seo is the best method to target the right coustomers with less budget. seo stands for search engine optimization sem stands for search engine marketing, and ppc stands for pay per click. by employing a right seo consultent the small business can benefit a lot in reaching the target goals.

small business owners should also target internet world. many people are searching for information in internet, there are many people who are searching for products online. so small business owners should concentrate on the people who are searching for produts online.

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May 10, 2010

10 Sales Tips For Small Business Owners

Filed under: Small Business Tips — Tags: Benefit, Budget, Business, Decision Maker, E Mail, Henry Ward Beecher, Honeymoon In Hawaii, Inquiries, Interaction, Long Time, Mantra, Owners, Pet Care Provider, Relationship, Risk, Running A Business, Sales, Salesperson, Small, Small Business Owner, Small Business Owners, Tips — admin @ 8:09 pm

Running a business is easy compared to the act of selling. As a small business owner you started your business to deliver a superior product or service, not to become a salesperson. None-the-less you must master basic sales skills or risk losing your business due to lack of clients! Here are 1o tips to help you turn those inquiries into sales.

1.Define the benefits to the customer. You’ve found their pain, now you need to come up with a cure by answering their question, “What’s in it For ME?” For instance, if you are pet-care provider you “make it possible for a couple to enjoy their honeymoon in Hawaii without feeling guilty about leaving their pet.”

2.Qualify before you present. Okay, you know their pain and can cure it. You now need to know if the person on the other end of the phone or e-mail query is likely to buy from you. Take time up front to ensure this a good prospect for you. When you qualify your prospect you want to know:
a.Is this person the decision maker?
b.Does this person have a real need for what I’m selling?
c.Does this person have the budget necessary to pay for my product or service?
d.When does this person wish to start using my product or service?

3.Only sell to the decision maker. No matter how well your product or service solves a client’s problem, and no matter how wonderfully you articulate that benefit – if you are selling to someone who doesn’t have the authority to purchase your product or service, you’ve wasted your time.

4.It’s about the relationship! Every interaction you have with the potential client either builds or destroys their trust in you. As Henry Ward Beecher said, “Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.” This a great mantra for anyone involved in the sales cycle. Trust takes a long time to build and it’s very easy to destroy. Make sure every part of your relationship with the prospect is held to your highest standard.

5.Preparation, preparation, preparation. Do you know what you want the customer do at every step of the process? Set goals for each step of your sales process, as well as overall sales goals for the month, quarter and year. Create an outline and script to get you from an inquiry to a sale. Tweak your outlines and scripts to fit each individual customer. One size does not fit all.

6.Questions and objections are a natural part of the sales process. During your preparation compile a list of every possible question and objection that you might hear. Now spend some time creating a list of responses. Your responses should lead back to questions eliciting more information about your customer’s pain.

7.The issue of price. If the first question they ask is “how much does it cost?” Don’t beat around the bush, answer their question right away with a statement like, “depending on the service plan you select our rates range from XX to XXX, I would like to spend a couple of minutes finding out specifically which plan is right for you.” If they are comfortable with your price range, they will continue the conversation. Remember, part of qualifying is determining whether your potential customer has the budget to buy from you.

BONUS TIP: By answering their question head-on you are making it clear that you are a ‘straight shooter,’ a great way to build trust!

8.Make it easy to buy from you. Has this ever happened to you? You find a great product on a website or in a store, and you are ready, willing and able to buy, only to find out a) you can’t find the “purchase now” button on the site, b) they need to find out if they still have the item, or c) the clerk is busy on the phone? Depending on your mood and free time you may wait, but more than likely you leave without your purchase. Is it infinitely easy for your customers to buy your product the first time? Make it even easier for them to make a repeat purchase!

9.Ask for Feedback. No matter how good at sales you become, you must keep your ‘edge.’ Ask questions to find out what you’re doing well, what your customers wish you did and why potential customers did not buy from you. Use what you learn in your preparation and goal setting process.

10.Have Fun. Running your own business should be fun. You’ve dedicated your career to something you love. Let your personality shine and make sure you find ways to include your customers and associates in your good time!

The Sales process does not have to be a dreaded part of running your business. It’s the best way to watch your revenue grow. Evaluate your current process and implement any of the missing tips to watch your sales success grow.

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