If you run you own business, you know the importance of advertising. Advertising is how you let people know who you are, where you are, what you do and that you even exist. There are a number of types of advertising out there and they come at all sorts of costs.
Of course you likely think of the main advertising methods when the word comes to mind such as television, radio or newspaper advertising. You may also think about flyers that you can print and hand out or those little mailers that end up in everyone's mailbox weekly or monthly. But all of those cost money. Some of them cost money in the respect that you have to buy advertising space. Others cost money in the respect that you have to print the ads up yourself and hand them out, costing money in the time spent.
So, what other options do you have? How about the power of people? You should be using word of mouth advertising as much as you humanly can!
Start With People You Know
Bill Bartmnn's tip #1 for word of mouth advertising is to use your mouth to do as much advertising as you possibly can. Talk to everyone you know about your business - family, friends, co-workers from old jobs, anyone you network with. The more people you tell that you are out there, what you do, and how you can help them fill a need in their life the more chance they will remember you when that need arises. Additionally, if they hear of someone who needs those services, they may remember to recommend you.
Ask Customers for Referrals
Bill Bartmann's tip #2 for word of mouth advertising is letting your customers know you are looking for business. While all businesses are always looking for new customers, most don't remind their customers of this fact. Let your customers know you would appreciate any referrals. If they like what you do, they would likely be happy to recommend you, but may not think about it on their own.
To help out in keeping the idea of referring their friends to you in mind, you may want to offer a customer referral program. This would be a program where when your customers refer someone, and that person makes a purchase, your loyal customer gets a reward. It could be cash back on their next purchase or a free gift - anything that rewards them for their loyalty and helps you get a new customer.
Print Their Recommendations
Bill Bartmann's tip #3 is when you have customers that come over time and time again, they really are your best advertising! Use them to your best potential. Ask them for quotes about your company or service and use those quotes and their picture (if they don't mind) in your advertising. Not only does it give you more credibility, but also will have your customers looking to see their picture and quote and pointing out your advertising to everyone they know.
Bill Bartmann offers online business courses so people can develop the necessary basic business management skills to be successful. Bill Bartmann's Billionaire Business Systems has helped thousands of entrepreneurs reach their goals by showing them how to strengthen their business even during times of economic uncertainty. Bring out the Billionaire in you; visit http://www.billionaireu.com/
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