Four Ways to Start Marketing Your Product or Service with No Money

You have a great product and your services are in demand. You need to let people know that you have something they could use. Cashflow is always an issue for new entrepreneurs and business owners. Even if your business plan was successful and you were able to secure funds for your organization, you have to maximize every penny.

Marketing your product and services can be tricky but your passion and belief in it is the very first ingredient to success in this area. Without a passion that may sometimes annoy people, you will quickly be discouraged by people's lack of enthusiasm and give up. Giving up is not an option. I repeat, giving up is not an option. So here is what you do:

An Online and Offline Content Marketing Mix

To be truly successful in the marketing of your product and services, a proper mix between online and offline marketing vehicles is what small businesses need to achieve their goals. While many more people use the internet to do research before purchases, and learn more about vendors, services, and products, word of mouth advertising still reigns as the most tried and tested method for success. 

The first step to creating a proper mix of online and offline marketing efforts involve creating a realistic budget for the entire marketing department. Which funds will be allocated to marketing and PR? Blurred lines between what is considered marketing and public relations allows companies to execute strategies that market services and relate directly to consumers. What percentage of the budget can be dedicated to each strategy?

Offline Strategy

Every marketing vehicle used to reach customers offline or away from the internet is considered offline marketing. This can be network marketing, advertisements, newspapers ads, billboards, radio, television, posters, direct mail, postcards, or any other medium used to notify customers of  products, services or specials.

For local products and services, placing ads in magazines or newspapers that target your market within your city or niche can produce great results. Check out any marketing data associated with the periodical, including the geographic territory for readers and how often it is distributed. Smaller newspapers that only service a small section of a city or a specific population may have more competitive prices and longer run times than larger newspapers. 

Companies with complementary products or services may also be willing to give you window space for a flyer or counter space for cards. You will never know unless you ask, and the worse thing anyone can say is no. Attending community events is also essential to put a face behind your product or service. People are more likely to refer new clients when they feel they know you better and can vouch for your professionalism and quality of work. 

Introductory offers and limited free services can also build credibility, a client base for future services, and allow customers to "try before they buy."

Online Strategy

Marketing online gives small businesses access to customers beyond their local area through blogging, online ads like Google Adwords, social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Triberr, etc) and classified ad services like craigslist, Thumbtack.com, or ebayclassifieds.com. Be prepared to invest time, money, or both for an online marketing campaign. Landing pages, ebooks, and article marketing are also highly effective for internet marketing. 

Some business owners will immerse themselves in every vehicle available online, not realizing that every medium is not beneficial for them. For instance, travel agents can use sites like TripAdvisor to get ideas, see about placing ads, and engaging prospective clients. Business to business services might benefit more through forum marketing and answering questions and commenting on other business owners blogs. 

Regardless of the online approach, it is important to do research prior to committing funds. Consult with knowledgeable colleagues about their experiences and get feedback. Read reviews and any books that offer facts and projections about your industry and applying internet marketing for maximum results. Content  marketing like newsletters and updating clients via email help businesses stay in touch with clients, solicit information about what they need, and how services can be improved. 

Do you have any tips for business owners and the effectiveness, success, or failure about your online or offline marketing efforts?

Listen. Engage. Write. Repeat.

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven internet marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog management, social media, press releases, and newsletters, designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers’ decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz for a complimentary consultation today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

Small Business Payroll Tax Cut Possible Impact

Small business owners voiced their opinions to the White House after a proposed payroll tax cut was presented. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.7% of employer firms. Within the last two decades, small businesses have been responsible for more than half of the country's job growth.

So what did these entrepreneurs have to say? They concentrated on three topics:

• Incentives for hiring and job growth
• More information about how health care reform will affect small businesses
• Solutions for real estate crisis and getting foreclosures sold more quickly

Politics aside, think of the impact that a 50% deduction in payroll taxes might have on your bottom line. Would companies feel less hesitant to hire, and possibly resume their leading place in the hiring arena?

What about investments? There are ways to recoup losses for companies, however, the companies may not feel comfortable, given recent economic reports. 

Possible Impact 

So what could small businesses use their payroll tax cuts on?

• Sales - More money to hire salespeople, improve profits, and ultimately business growth.
• Marketing - Let more people know about their businesses and broaden their areas of operation.
• Technology - Evaluate present processes that could be replaced by technology, and invest in technology that will surely improve their productivity and operations overall. 
• Internet Marketing - Research the benefits that taking their brick and mortars online could have on their bottom line. 

In what ways would a payroll tax cut impact your business?

Technology Pioneer Steve Jobs Leaves Lasting Fingerprint on Business and Technology

Part of the allure of business in America is the relative ease to begin businesses and the "pursuit of happiness." Co-founder of technology giant, Apple Inc., Steve Jobs demonstrated the successful navigation of several obstacles to realize his dream. He left Apple for several years before he returned with an idea that would forever change music, business, the world. 

Apple, Inc created wealth and jobs for many Americans. In fact, every entrepreneur in the world could learn and apply lessons from the former CEO.

Jobs holding a white iPhone 4 at
Worldwide Developers Conference 2010

Aside from breaking barriers and setting new standards in technology, business and computers, Steve Jobs' innovation was the catalyst that caused countless other entrepreneurs to open their own businesses. The iPhone, iPod, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, and other Apple products require accessories and equipment that have given opportunity for other business men and women to resell, market and distribute what hungry consumers demand. In fact, the iPhone routinely sells out, and with the addition of the iPad, the possibilities are limitless.

Business curricula will surely  include the innovative leadership abilities of Mr. Jobs. Overcoming failures and watching Microsoft continue to sell and grow was no small detail throughout the time that Mr. Jobs worked for Apple. Besides the overwhelming success, businesses formed, processes  improved, and lives changed through the line of products produced by Apple, motivation to go after a dream with every fiber of ones being cannot be ignored. According to Wikipedia, Jobs compared his business plan to the Beatles. He strongly believed in teamwork and that great business was accomplished by many people, not just one. It is unlikely that the full impact of his inventions or business expertise has left on the world. 

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

Public Relations and Sales

How many times have you personally had a choice in a purchasing decision, and chose the business that had a more positive image? There are even occasions when prices can be different, but the perception of a place of business weighs heavily on the decision to buy or not buy. 

What is the relationship between the public perception of a brand or business and their ability to sell?

Lets us take a look at a few examples to examine the issue objectively:

• Many athletes and entertainers risk their ability to be endorsed by major brands when they make major mistakes that draw public criticism.
• Political figures often lose credibility and sometimes even their jobs for bad press. 
• Companies and brands use the press to announce positive press to enhance their images.
• Some companies and brands have gone out of business based on press. 
• Even a homeless man was able to land a job because of being on the news and showcasing his skills. The fact that he was homeless really made some companies want him as it would make them seem sympathetic to his struggles. 

Public Relations are often over used by some companies and brands while others completely overlook the benefit of a positive public image and its impact on their bottom line. So, how can a positive image and being engaged with your market help your sales?

1. Public Relations allows consumers to see a human side of your brand or business that is otherwise unavailable to them. 
2. Community involvement and engagement can increase word-of-mouth advertisement as customers learn about community efforts, charitable causes, or other image-enhancing events. For example, reading about the companies recent charitable donation in the local newspaper, business blog, or other online source may be a conversation starter between friends or co-workers, along with a desire to support you as you support other causes. 
3. Consumers are more likely to purchase from businesses with positive press than companies with no press or bad press.
4. Public relations is a form of marketing that does not focus on sales but definitely contributes to increased or decreased sales. People remember articles, experts, and businesses that they have read about in a positive and negative manner.
5. Internal perception of a company can even impact employees endorsement of a companies products or services. Employees will assist in marketing through suggestions to family and friends when their perception of the company is positive. Conversely, when they are displeased more than satisfied, they are less likely to recommend the company to family and friends. 
6. Commercials and television advertisements are more costly yet highly effective in helping people recall your company or brand when making a buying decision. In the same manner, as more people migrate to the world wide web year after year, internet marketing without direct sales can be highly effective in a positive perception.
7. Even when there is no call to action associated with buying a product or service, Negative PR is highly effective at having the opposite effect on sales.
8. Companies can offer incentives, coupons, or other discounts for markets engaged with them in some way -- newsletters, social networking sites, or other mediums that help shape the perception consumers have about businesses. 
9. Facts are not nearly as important as perception, unfortunately. Businesses have to take the reigns of their own public images as everyday consumers now have the ability to influence others perception of companies more easily, even if to only a small audience.
10. The old saying that no news is good news does not apply to marketing and company sales. No news can actually be bad news if companies are not proactive in the global marketplace and positioned to take action. 

Can you think of any examples, well known or otherwise that agree with this or do you disagree? I would love to hear from you!

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats of Social Media

The emergence of social media as a way to connect with clients, scout out potential customers, and inexpensively market goods and services, has changed business forever. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn all serve different purposes and attract a distinct user. Business school curriculum and prospective entrepreneurs will have to incorporate it in order to remain competitive and relevant. Let's take a look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that this new marketing vehicle may have on your business and brand.

Strengths:

1. Vehicle to communicate with clients, investigate online reputation, and survey target market easier than ever before.
2. Provides unprecedented access to clients and prospective ones regardless of geographical location.
3. Easier to segment markets by using groups within the social media platforms, and learn about their buying habits, behaviors, and other pertinent information.
4. Allows companies to closely monitor customer complaints, and address concerns quickly with less cost.

Weaknesses:

1. Can be intimidating and overwhelming if not properly used.
2. Requires personal engagement with clients and more prompt / direct responses than traditional methods. 
3. Time intensive and easier to misunderstand tone or requests of clients than traditional communication methods. 
4. Seemingly faddish and more prone to over magnify mistakes or human errors.

Opportunities:

1. Market research is as simple as a click away; easier to determine needs of clients and spy on competitors.
2. Companies can be "in-the-know" about the real reputation of company and ways they can enhance public relations.
3. Vacancies can be filled more quickly and "red flags" for potential hires are easier to investigate and find, saving the company time and money.
4. Monitoring ways to be involved in local communities, charities to donate to, and generate more positive press for company is easier.

Threats: 

1. Containing bad press is more difficult and uniform responses or must be maintained across all platforms.
2. Competitors can monitor you just as you monitor them and use it as a competitive advantage. 
3. Requires companies to implement social media policies, as internal issues are now more prone to being voiced online. 
4. Hackers, disgruntled employees, or anyone else can stain reputation more easily, costing the company time and money.

Social media cannot be ignored -- every benefit it provides opens up the door for potentials risks. However, savvy business owners can prepare for the risks by implementing social media policies and actively monitoring their reputation online. Refusing to use social media is riskier than any potential issue it may bring along as a result. Marketing and Research & Development departments will never be the same since the advent of social media, and companies can generate many profit-producing ideas if they properly leverage Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other growing social networking sites. From contests and sharing company photos, to publicizing scholarship opportunities or setting the record straight about lies spread about your brand or business, social media is here to stay. Get used to it, and embrace all the benefits while mitigating every risk through proper execution and keeping an open mind.

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

5 Things to Know Before Building Your Own Website, So You Get It Right the First Time

ChrissyBiz Solutions brings you relevant and helpful information from professionals who not only know but listen to the needs of business owners and entrepreneurs. This guest blogger understands the tasks associated with Web Marketing and how strategic planning with clearly defined goals can lead to more clients and more sales:

Caryn Murray is a copywriter and consultant specializing in startup and small business Branding, Advertising, and Marketing. She is the owner of BAM! Copy Writing which provides a variety of multimedia copywriting services to businesses of all shapes and sizes around the globe. Her passion is in helping local small businesses in the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York where she is an active board member on the Phelps Chamber of Commerce, the Marketing and Public Relations Committee, and the Business Development and Tourism Committee. Read on to learn more about creating a website that fits yours needs and the needs of your market:

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners fall victim to building-their-own-website-without-knowing-what-they-are-doing. Of course this can be more suitable for a startup budget, and there are a variety of easy to use website builders and blogging tools that can help you get your concept online without investing more than your own time and energy.

However, an ineffective website can and will cause more damage than good for any start up or small business. 

With the right understanding of which elements make a website effective, you can save the nightmare of retracing your steps by getting it done right, the first time around. The following elements are all important things to consider before taking the next step in building your own website.

1. Why do you want a website? 

At the risk of sounding like your elementary school teacher… you shouldn't do something "just because everyone else is doing it." That's not a good enough reason, and an effective website needs a solid purpose to build a base on.

Perhaps, a more thought provoking question you should answer is:

What should your website do for you?

• Do you want to sell your products/services online?
• Do you want an informational website where potential clients can go to learn more about your products, services, or ideas?
• Would you like to take an existing small business into modern media?
• Are you tired of worrying that you might be losing potential clients who have asked for a website?
• Do you want to test a business concept for market potential?

Whether you're running an advertisement in the local paper or building your own website, knowing what you expect (the purpose) is critical for generating a sufficient return on investment. (In other words: not dumping your money down the drain.) 

2. Navigation and Structural Development

A basic website provides limited information between a Home page, an About page, and Contact info. This might include hours of operation, prices, etc. Know everything you want on your website, and then create a flow chart to determine the navigational paths. 

Over time, you will want to understand how visitors use your website to create a more user friendly experience. Google Analytics is a powerful tool for monitoring specific data, including:

• Traffic sources, such as referring web pages and also which phrases are sending search engine users to your website.
• Which pages get the most views, and the amount of time users spend on each web page.
• Your bounce rate (the percentage of traffic that leaves your landing or home page within the first 30 seconds)
• Information about where your traffic comes from geographically
• And much, much more…

With Google Analytics, you can determine which navigational paths have the highest conversion rate by setting and watching various Goals. You can use that information to adjust or even redevelop the structure of your website for a higher return on investment.

3. First Impressions and Branding

Premium or customized templates are always more professional than a generic template. It is very important that your website is consistent with your brand in the real world, so if you already have marketing collateral (brochures, business cards, etc.) try to stick with the same visual image and first impression.

4. Marketing and Promoting Your Website

If you build it, they will come? Not on the internet!

You do need to market and promote your startup or small business website.

The first step is to put your website address on any marketing collateral, but you can also purchase advertising spots in local media and release a press announcement about the launch of a new website (focusing on what's in it for the end user.) For a higher initial spike in traffic, use incentive. People respond better to incentives such as free coupons.

You can also reach new leads by marketing your website online.

Welcome to the web! There are new ways to market, advertise, and promote your brand/business/services. Surely you’ve heard that social media marketing is all the rage right now, but search engine optimization and marketing continue to be the most powerful way to get your brand in front of a targeted audience that is already looking for your products and/or services.

5. Content

The biggest mistake a DIY website builder can make is not putting enough effort into their website content. This element is - dare I say it - the most important part! 

Web content serves several purposes including:

• Keeping your bounce rate low by providing an immediate first impression that is appealing, not intimidating. (This is in correlation with the graphic design of your website.)
• Telling search engines what your website is about. Search engine optimization depends solely on the individual web page content. Using the right keywords and phrases at the right density is critical during the initial development of root pages, and that’s not including SEO content published in a well maintained blog.
• Laying down navigational paths, including anchor text links (also supporting SEO) to create a user friendly experience beyond the menu.
• Converting traffic into customers. The immediacy of the web provides an even bigger challenge in fulfilling calls to action. Most do-it-yourselfers often neglect putting in a call to action to begin with, let alone setting the mood for said action to be taken.

To learn more, please visit http://BAMcopywriting.com