Low- and No-Cost Marketing Strategies to Incorporate into your Overall Business Strategy

Create a monthly newsletter. Give all your customers a free "subscription" and every month offer tips, updates, discounts and ask they pass the newsletter on to family, friends, and co-workers. Every computer has a pre-installed newsletter template. Use it!

Put your picture on your business card. It's a fact people will keep a card longer and tend to be more responsive when they can put a face with the company. The picture also helps people recall after a networking event. And while you're at it use both sides of the card. The reverse side of the card can be used for client testimonials or detailed product information.Put pictures of you, your staff, satisfied customers (eith their permission) and facility on your website.

When a prospect calls to schedule an appointment mail them a confirmation letter and if possible, a list of customers in their area.

After completing a job mail a thank you card and include a form asking the customer to refer three people that could use your services. Ask for a name, address and phone number. Include a pre-stamped return envelope and you might be surprised at the response.

Perform the occasional free service. Years ago I had a flat tire and took it to a local mechanic. Knowing I had never been to him before and understanding the potential lifetime value of my business, the mechanic did not charge me for the $7.00 repair. In return I gave him over $5,000.00 in business until I moved ten years later.

This is a short list of low cost and in some cases no cost marketing strategies. There are dozens more unique, creative ways to establish a relationship with both your customers and prospects. The hyper information world we live in today provides some very powerful ways to get your message heard by the people most likely to do business with you. But no matter how glitzy, fast or expensive your current marketing strategy is, in the end the people most likely to do business with you are the ones that feel they can trust you - and no amount of advertising can ever replace the personal touch.

Michael Hart is a business marketing consultant, speaker, author, and talk radio host. His strategies have been featured in Creative Selling, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Sales and Marketing Executive Report and hundreds of other publications. He is the co-host of the popular weekly home improvement radio program HOUSE STUDS www.HouseStuds.com To learn more about having Michael speak at your event or for consultation information call Caryn Terradas at (866) 238-5294 or info@MichaelHartSpeaks.com