Display advertising can be a bit like a scatt
er gun approach. You take aim, but you're not sure if you're hitting the target. It can be an expensive exercise.
Retailer, John Wanamaker is quoted as saying
Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted. The trouble is, I don't know which half.
Do it yourself public relations is an option worth exploring. Often it only costs your time. You are looking for maximum impact with minimum expense.
Some small business public relations options include -
- Press releases
- Speaking at conferences
- Speaking at local events or clubs
- Establishing yourself as the "go to" person for commentary in your field - TV, radio, newspapers
- Offer a free report
- Offer a free ebook
- Write a business blog
- Network offline and online
- Sponsor an event or offer a prize
- Partner with complementary businesses
- Become involved in the community
- Become active in forums related to your field
- Write articles for your local newspaper
- Write article for article submission sites
- Any others?
And here's a free ebook - PR For Startups.
These marketing techniques can be so much more effective than traditional advertising. I've used many and had great success. One benefit is that you can often gain a market presence at on your competition's marketing budget. I often let my big competitors pay to draw in customers at industry events. I then network like a madman, gaining the same exposure for minimal costs.
Posted by: B Smith @ Wealth and Wisdom | June 21, 2008 4:38 PM | Permalink to Comment