Advertising Agency Blog - Inspired 2 Design, LLC

Promotion is not the same as advertising, but it does fall under the realm of Marketing.
Over this weekend, we attended a community fair in the town of Ball Ground, and lots of businesses took advantage of the opportunity to touch hundreds, perhaps even a thousand or so consumers from around the area for the mere cost of $35, and a day spent in the fresh air and sunshine.

Is this Marketing? For sure!

Is it Advertising, sort of…

It really falls under the heading Promotion (typically less expensive than advertising and involves more time). Advertising in this case would have involved maybe sponsoring the event so your name is on all the ads for the event. Citrus Solutions handed out hundreds of free carpet spot remover samples and talk to people about their product, and their process - a fantastic promotional opportunity for their business.

Here are 10 great ways to promote your business:

1. Contests: people love to WIN stuff - enough said!
2. Demonstrations: host a free how-to class for the community. For instance, we went out for ice cream at the Frosty Frog Creamery this weekend in Hickory Flat, and immediately the kids asked “Well, how do you make ice cream?” Perfect!
3. Seminars: a more classroom type demonstration for businesses to instruct other businesses.
4. Parties: host a grand opening, anniversary party, or a wine tasting party to introduce a new menu…get creative!
5. Give Samples or offer a Free Trial: eliminates risk for the purchaser. For food businesses, samples are easy! For other companies, a Free Trial works. Recently we went out to dinner and I asked the waitress to recommend a dish. She did an said if I didn’t like it, she’d bring me something else. Well, unfortunately I didn’t care for the dish, but a new meal came out quickly and was on the house!.
6. Write Articles: you’re an expert in your field, so share your knowledge and become a community source for information. We do… check our websites Articles page - easier, check the blog archives!
7. Make a Speech: again, if you’re the expert, share it with others.
8. Giveaways: premiums have been around forever because they work. A pen, coffee mug, umbrella, t-shirt, fly swatter, etc. with your name and contact info keeps you in mind. Make the items match or fit your business somehow.
9. Newsletters: offer timely advice to customers and prospects via electronic or printed newsletters. Family Dog Central gets a HUGE click through rate on their monthly dog info E-newsletter.
10. Donations: make monetary, merchandise or even service time donations to local charities, PTAs, groups etc. Even if it’s just the use of your facilities, the attendees who meet at your restaurant or club remember your generosity, and typically return to spend money.

The best thing about promotions is they’re limited only to your company’s imagination. Try them out and let us know how they work for your business!

Inspired 2 Design, LLC

See if you agree with these myths and mistaken beliefs about Marketing:

1. Marketing is so easy, anyone can do it.

2. Marketing is a shot in the dark.

3. Marketing does not need planning.

4. I can’t afford to be Marketing, sales are down!

5. I tried Marketing and it didn’t work.

6. Marketing is for big companies.

7. Marketing and Advertising are the same thing.

8. Marketing is expensive.

9. Marketing is a part-time job.

10. Once I get my business up and running, I’ll start Marketing.

If you’ve ever heard yourself saying ANY of these things….OOOPS!

Inspired 2 Design, LLC

As much as we’ve written posts on the value of Networking to your business, it’s just never enough. The value associated with getting out and meeting other business owners in the community is simply priceless. Sure, it takes time, effort, and yes, even some money, but here are just a few ways you’ll benefit from this marketing investment:

• Introduce your company
• Make new contacts
• Gain validity
• Find sources and resources
• Discover fusion marketing opportunities
• Invest in your local business community
• Develop a positive reputation
• Spend some time away from the office
• Have fun
• Make friends
• Eat stuff (typically networking events involve food)
• Earn new clients and customers

Tonight we had the opportunity to network with over 50 great companies in the Cherokee County area - from Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock and Ball Ground. We had the opportunity to show just a sample of what we do, and we had a good time learning about other companies. As time passes and we network with some of the same people, we gain a mutual respect and trust - which in turn leads to new business for the companies involved. You don’t even need to be an extrovert or outgoing person to network, believe me, there are plenty to go around. If you’re more introverted, just shake hands, and listen.

If you’re not using the networking opportunities in your area to market your business, you’re missing out.

Inspired 2 Design, LLC