Low-cost marketing ideas?

[mariasabalaart]

Yeah, I need to figure out the Facebook "pages." I just created a personal account recently, so I'm getting familiar with it right now.

Thanks to all of you for the great advice. There are so many ways to go about it... things I had never dreamed of. I really appreciate the feedback!

[JerBear]

Hello Maria,

Don't waste your money or time leaving stacks of cards or flyers around, most of the time they will end up in the trash or used for note paper. BUT, if someone request you leave some cards, go for it, leave a few. Then check back once in a while to see if they need more... this gives you more face time which is the best marketing you can provide.

I found the best solution for me, was to create a "Look" and spend some money on the marketing materials to give out. Let me explain

First I created a Look, color, logo, name etc for my company

Then I incorporated that look into business cards, post cards (5.5 x 8.5) and 8.5 x 11 Flyers. These are all on Heavy Weight, coated paper (High Gloss) Now I have a consistent look that will translate into recognition by others when ever they see a piece of my work.

The business cards are printed/coated only on one side, this makes it possible to write notes, etc on the back. Make sure you keep it simple and a font that is big enough to see clearly. 500 = $30, 1000= $40

The Post cards are printed on both sides, coated on one side and will have some photos and info on what we do. Also will have some prices that I have decided will be used for the current year. 100 = $38

The 8.5 x 11 piece is printed and coated on both sides and will have extensive info, photos and prices for all that we offer. 100 = $46 (if you only go one side 100 = $42 so why not go both?)

Now the important step, I target my clients I want to deal with, then I will send out the post card to them with a sticker added to the card for a intro discount if they bring the card with them. You can make your discounts vary by time of year, group, etc., just be sure to put a expiration date on them.

If someone wants me to leave cards in the office, I will ask if they would like a few post cards instead with a discount sticker attached and that usually gets a good response. In fact I get calls all the time to see if I can get them some more cards.

So for around $120 you can have some classy market materials that will help promote you.

When you hand over a cheap business card, it says a lot more than the info on it. It really does matter How You Look!

Good Shooting

JM

[private]

One of things that I just did was contact my local preschool's fundraising director and asked if she would pass out my "flyer" and in return I would give the preschool 20% of my profits.

She sd that she would do it, so lets see if it works out...Its a small price to pay (IMO) to get my name out to 400 plus families...

[mariasabalaart]

JerBear and private, great ideas. There are lots of day cares and preschools near me. I'll definitely have to give that a go.

JerBear, where did you get your marketing materials printed? Somewhere online or a local printer? Thanks for the detailed info on your materials and the tips. Much appreciated and you make a great point.

[Ptollemy]

Be careful with Facebook. My understanding is that one of their terms and conditions of uploading photos is that you agree to give Facebook unlimited non-exclusive rights to use your images for whatever commercial or non-commercial purposes they like, without any compensation to you.

Hope this helps.

[richerimage]

Wow, didn't realise that about Facebook! Good spotting of the small print there!

May be it would be a good idea to put a watermark on facebook photos (they may have rights to the but at least then they couldn't use them!)