An Effective Marketing Tool

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

The small business owner has to stay
competitive. He/she doesn't, always,
have access to deep pockets, or a large
advertising budget. Success comes
to the individual who takes what's
available and maximizes its use.

There are many effective marketing
tools like link strategies, ads with
affiliates, or swap ads.

A tool is effective when it reaches
your target market, and they respond.
The target market represents the
people who are interested in, will buy,
your product or service.

"How do I find my target market?"
A few asked.

Visit forums, social networks, and
anywhere else people go online. The
feed-back gives you an idea of how
to improve the product or service.
It, also, answers questions about
how well your product or service
will be received. What adjustments
are needed. Questions, possibly, you
haven't thought of will be answered.

"Which marketing tool is best?"
Several people asked.

An effective marketing tool is e-mailing.
This is an excellent way to keep in
touch with customers. It allows them
to provide you with feed-back.

Feed-back helps you better serve
them. The goal is repeat buys, or
returning customers.

E-mail customers about updates on
products and services. Coupons,
discounts, are easily given to
them through e-mailing.

There is not one customer who doesn't
want to pay less for a product or service
they're already using. A coupon or
discount is an incentive to purchase
more.

A discount can be in the form of
no shipping or handling fee. Or,
order two or more products, and pay
one shipping/handling fee.

E-mail customers newsletters. Keep
them informed of what's happening in
the company. Explain how the new
changes will benefit them.

Loyal customers will want to be
apart, comment, and e-mail you back.
Customers share their opinions
with friends and family, which leads
to additional advertising. It rolls into
more profits. It's a chain effect. Happy
customers share their experiences with
others, bringing you more business.

Every e-mail, snail mail, should wear
your business contact information.
Small business owners must take
advantage of e-mail marketing. Think
in terms of every e-mail, snail mail, as
a possible customer.

E-mail customers the today's special
information. Let them know about
special promotions.

Who wouldn't be interested in an
e-mail that speaks directly to you,
makes you feel special. The e-mail
allows customers in on a promotion.
Usually, members only receive such
information, and it encourages them
to buy.

E-mails can be tailored to your
customers. Be sure their name is
on it. Make it personal.

Some businesses go the extra step of
noting birthdays. A mention could
be enough. Work within your budget.

E-mail is an effective marketing tool,
because it gives instant results, keeps
customers updated, allows you to
remain competitive, and is easy to
use. Yet, it works within your
advertising budget.