Better Local Marketing

Good Advice for Small Business Advertising

Small business: Customer testimonials may add credibility to advertising copy

By Bo Garcia
For the Lansing State Journal

Question: I simply do not have the money to hire an ad agency to do some copy work for me, and would like to do it myself. How should I proceed?

Read full article here

Small Business Profile: Eclectics Furniture & Accessories

Article about a local furniture & home decor store started on a shoe-string budget.

Read full article here.

Kevin's Comments:

These two ladies did several things right in starting this business. First, they crawled before they walked. By starting as a hobby and building it into a full-time business, they discovered there was a market locally for this business. They had fun as they learned the business and did not risk the family jewels to accumulate that knowledge.

A.I.D.A: A Simple Tool to Improve Your Advertising

If you've been involved with sales or marketing for a while you might recognize this acronym.

Attention
Interest
Desire
Action

It’s a time-tested effective way to get greater response from your marketing. Plus it’s easy to use and it doesn’t cost extra!

How to Get “Lexus” Results at “Chevy” Prices (from your Marketing)

By Kevin Stirtz

The good and bad of marketing is that price and results are not
necessarily connected. You can pay the same price for poor results as you would for great results. The difference is largely based on what you put into your marketing before you implement.

By planning your marketing you can put more quality into it and
get better results out of it.

Apparel shops find niche

Locally owned women's stores are finding their way in quainter spots

BY SCOTT BLAKE
FLORIDA TODAY

Despite the rise of "big-box" retailers like Wal-Mart and electronic commerce via home computers, a number of locally owned small stores still are finding a place in the world of women's apparel.

(Read full article)

Marketing Tip: Exposure

Psychologists tell us we need 8-15 exposures to something new before we accept it. This repeated exposure helps us become comfortable and familar with the new “thing” whether it's an idea, a person or a new situation.

You can use this basic human need for repeated exposure to get better results from your marketing. Make sure the message of your marketing is delivered consistently and repeatedly as often as possible within your budget, to the same group of people.

Marketing Materials Tip

Make sure all your marketing is clear, direct and consistent. The saddest thing in the marketing world is an ad or a brochure that leaves people scratching their heads and wondering what the company is selling.

Solution:

Always have 2 or 3 people from outside your business review and critique any marketing you plan to do. Pick people who will be brutally honest with you. Have them look at your proposed ad or brochure or mailer and ask them what they think - before you approve it for production.

Small Budget Advertising

From Apryl Duncan, About.com

Whether you're just starting your business or you're on a budget diet, there are still ways to bypass high cost advertising.

(Read full article)

Ten Simple Steps to More Customers through Better Networking

by Kevin Stirtz

The purpose of networking is to make contact with people who might need what you offer. It's the first step in the sales cycle. It's a great way to meet people in a "non-selling" setting. So, don't sell. Meet and greet. Ask people about their businesses. Be friendly and relaxed. Enjoy yourself. Get to know people. If and when someone appears to meet your target criteria, ask for their business card. Then follow up with them later to see if there might be a fit.

Benefits to all to ‘Buy Local’

JAY PATEAKOS , Herald News Staff Reporter 08/09/2004
The Herald News Online

WESTPORT -- After 51 years of farming land 14 hours per day, Walter Pietrzyk has probably had enough.

More than a half-century of farming has taken its toll on Pietrzyk, who will probably retire from the profession at the end of this year. Then again, perhaps not.

(Read full article)