What is the least expensive way to market you business?
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Word of mouth from satisfied customers.
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sell an ad in the corner (sponsored by yada yada), which will cost just about what you expect to rent the machine and buy blank cards with the logo on them for. Find a sponsor that is related to your thingy and let them participate somehow (low key advertising, product placement, something of that sort)
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Entrepreneur Magazine has made a list of Low Cost Startup Businesses that you can consider\n\nhttp://www.entrepreneur.com/lowcostbusinesses/0,6617,,00.html\n\nSome other home business ideas:\n\nTop 10 Home Businesses with Rapid Break-Even Time http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol33/breakeven.htm\n10 Profitable “Go-Out" Home Businesses http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol31/goout.htm\n\nThe best home business that you can be sure is not a scam is one that you start yourself. It will depend on what you want, how you define to be interesting. A person may consider a pet sitting business to be the most exciting work in the world, while another person would rather watch TV than take care of dogs. \n\nThe key is to determine what your interests are, what you want to do, what is suitable for your lifestyle and your overall goals, and what can fit with your resources.\n\nDan Ramsey in his book "101 Best Home Businesses" has a chapter on how to find YOUR best home business. He suggests these 10 steps:\n\n1. List 5 things you do best\n2. List how others would benefit from what you do best\n3. Find out how to give people what they want\n4. Learn the value of your services to others\n5. Find out who else offers similar services\n6. Learn from the successes of others\n7. Learn from the failures of others\n8. Plan your own success\n9. Make low cost mistakes\n10. Enjoy what you do and how you do it\n\nHe then made suggestions on the best home businesses according to type. Here are a few of them:\n\nBest Businesses Using Craft or Physical Skills\n- antique restoration\n- auto detail service\n- carpet cleaning business\n- errand/delivery service\n- housecleaning business\n\nBest Service Businesses \n- bed and breakfast operator\n- caregiver\n- catering service\n- senior day care center\n- tutoring service\n\nBest Professional Businesses\n- desktop publisher\n- magazine writer\n- import/export service\n- income tax preparation service\n- event planner\n\nYou can also check out the following books:\n\nTurn Your Talents into Profits: 100+ Terrific Ideas for Starting Your Own Home-Based Microbusiness \n The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century \n 121 Internet Businesses You Can Start from Home \n The Best Internet Businesses You Can Start \n 101 Ways to Make Money at Home\n\nhttp://www.powerhomebiz.com/BizIdeas/bizideas.htm
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working with a distributor would be the easy way to go, but you'll have lower margins to deal with.  why not test the market by working with some paintball field operators to test your products and sell directly to them along with other direct sales outlets such as ebay where expenses are low...\n\nyou should have some marketing material ready to promote your business.  i used to work as a sales consultant so if you need additional advice, email me to my yahoo address.
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Have a product or service that other people want and or need. This is the basics of it.  Now if you have that - you will have a starting point.  Then there comes the way to bring what you have to the public.  This is the part that can be tricky.  \n\nEbay is a good starting place if you trying to sell tangible things and don't have any idea about it yet.  If you already have products that you know will sell well - you should open a website.  Getting good standing in the search engines is a key factor.  This can take time.  Plus just the fact that noone knows about you can make it take a year or two before you really get off the ground.  \n\nPatience - you must have it - Here are some really good articles about small businesses (not just online) it is very valuable info - I read all the articles and found them to be helpful.
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Listen to what your customers say- that's very important. Though it sounds very simple, it is probably the most difficult to act upon and implement what your customers want.\n\nFocus on quality and value add-on because in the long run that's what will set you apart. Be prompt in replying to any customer/ prospective customer, even if the reply is in negative- it shows commitment tp your work.\n\nSince small businesses can't afford too spend too much on marketing, the best you can do is to get testimonials from customers that you have served to show it to your prospective customers.\n\nAlways focus on delivering your best, money will always follow. And finally- THINK BIG...thats the only way to move forward.
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I wouldn't recommend ppc, it's too expensive and everyone knows you are a sponsor, here are some ways to advertise online for less.\n\nInternet advertising doesn't have to be about how much budget you have for online marketing. I always ask people do you have more time or money when it comes to marketing. Start off with of course submitting your url to all the search engines you can (for free) optimize your website by loading your content with keys words that you think people would search for your product with such as phone services (careful not to turn your content too search engine friendly and not user friendly) start making conncetions to other sites that you think people might need in conjuction with your products. set a site for  companys you think will go well with your product and those you trust. This will start a legit link farm that search engines will like. make sure you update information on your site regularly so that they know you are not stale site that never changes, think about have an rss feed on your site to help you keep content fresh. Start putting yourself in every (free) directory online that you can. include all your contact information as well as linking your website. Some directory's will ask you to put a link the their site and the will list you for free. \n\nDO NOT FORGET ABOUT OFFLINE MARKETING\nsend postcards, make flyers, drive traffic to your website, Make your marketing webcentric (your website is your focal point on your marketing materials) business cards, cards that you put with baskets make your website known on those. if you dont' already have it find a website tracker to watch your traffic coming into your website. this is vital to know which marketing efforts are working and which ones need work. Also gives you insight on when you up and down seasons are.
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cost cutting marketing
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First I need to know what the product is, run ads in the newspapers, and radio.  If local TV station would try that. Al lot of times word of mouth is the best selling tool you can get.
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Marketing is not a waste.\n\nImagine you are running a trading business. And everyone around you is selling something that customers are fed up of. You want to know what the customers would like to have as alternative. right ? or would you sell the same thing that others are already selling? This is called market research in Marketing terminology.\n\nOnce you have the right prodcut. You have to inform your customers what a wonderful prodcut you have, right ? Otherwise they would not know it. This is the communications part.\n\nNow imagine what you sell is a seasonal prodcut and if it not sold fully within a particular period this would be dead stock in your godown and you would not get money to buy your next stock plus you incur charges for maintaining stock. SO you would want to push the whole stock before the seasons ends, right ? We use so many methods for this and the most simple way is to give more than others are giving.. So you give some promo items free or reduce prices etc. ( This is Promotion part)\n\nNow imagine your prodcut is electronic item used in business,  customers would immediate service support for that you want a service team right that is polite and resolves issues at lowest turnaround time right ? That is Customer support.\n\nNow imagine you have a brand like Black and Decker or philips. And a similar prodcut like yours made in China costs just two dollars while yours costs dollar four. Even though both of you buy from the same same manufacturer. You earn two dollars more for a piece and still sell better than the other guy. IS that not great ? ( that is why we do branding)\n\nI can keep on writing more like this.........\nRead my blog :www.mullassery.blogsource.com if you want more info.
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Some marketing tips:\n\n1. Direct mail. Prepare a well-crafted brochure and send it to your target markets in Sunnyvale. Find a vendor in your area renting mailing lists of business establishments or take the time and go over the yellow pages and get their contact information. You can read more of how to use direct marketing strategies here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/direct.htm\n\n2. Publicity. Publicity can oftentimes be more effective than advertising. Not only is it cost-effective (oftentimes you are paying for nothing), but also people are apt to remember an article about your business rather than advertising. People find a write-up or special feature about a business more credible and objective than a paid advertising. Publicity also reaches a wider audience: if you are lucky, the national media might even pick up your story. Contact an editor of your local newspaper and pitch your story. Read the article "Leverage the Power of Publicity for Your Small Business" \nhttp://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol27/leverage.htm\n\n3. Press releases. Send out press releases through your local newspapers about your business. Whether it is about your story or about a sale you are offering, press releases can be very good exposure for you. You can read more about how to harness press releases for your business here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/public%20relations.htm\n\n4. Use the Internet. The Web can be your online brochure. You can use it to refer your potential clients for more information about your business; and it could also generate clients for you directly. Some of your potential clients may be looking to the Web for a floral designer, and you need to have a strong presence there as well.\n\n5. Network. Join and be active in your local business organizations, chamber of commerce, etc. Increase your visibility in the community. You can find more information on networking here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/networking.htm\n\n6. Word of mouth. This is the best form of advertising for your business - afterall, it is free. Read "Secrets of Word Of Mouth Marketing" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol154/wordofmouth.htm
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Give some innovative method.\n1.Give free small items if the customer buy big. if they buy a sofa cum bed., teapai free.\n\n2.if one customer introduces new customers, for each one new customers purchases the old customer will get free prizes of articels\n\n3.paper ad\n\n4.catlogues\n\n5.cable TV\n\n6.Tie up.... curlon etc\n\n7. arrange loan facility from Banks... tie-up for good customers\n\n8.Up-date new arrivals.\n\n9. send letters  greeting, dairies to customers.\n\n10.attractive price for some items.. say computer table.
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Advertise, try to find little local papers that are looking to fill pages. Try to keep your costs down.  Pass out your business card everywhere you go.  Hope this helps GOOD LUCK
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learn a service business and advertise.  NO business can survive if you don't market.  Ebay is ok if you know what to sell...
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It depends on your target audience. I would say through websites/internet but then again, if you're selling to old people, that might not work out very well. That's why big companies like Nike, Apple, McDonald's.. etc have always mixed it up with TV,internet, billboards,.. etc
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Internet Promotion - Advantages and Disadvantages\n\n\n\nThe emergence of globalise trade, increase in foreign investment and cross-border transactions have put many small businesses under pressure to find innovative ways to continue to market their products and services. This is especially difficult given that they often operate on tight marketing budgets.\n\nIn the quest for cheap marketing alternatives, these small businesses continue to use conventional marketing tools such as newspaper, magazine, radio and television advertisements, unaware of the advantages that Internet Promotion offers. All too often, these entrepreneurs focus on the disadvantages of Internet Promotion and fail to adequately take advantage of the opportunities that it presents. Moreover, their preoccupation with conventional marketing strategies is driven by a misconception that these are cheaper than Internet Promotion.\n\nTo most small business entrepreneurs, marketing or promoting their products or services via the Internet can be a daunting task. However, with adequate information small businesses can benefit significantly from Internet Promotion while minimising the disadvantages that it presents. In fact, it may prove to be the marketing strategy that generates the highest return on investment.\n\nThe Advantages\n\nCost Effective and Enduring Marketing Strategies\n\nThe Internet has become the information superhighway for the buying public. Most persons prefer the hassle free transactions that Internet shopping can offer. As a result, the Internet has become the most powerful selling tool. Internet Promotion offers cost effective ways for small businesses to enhance their product or service distribution networks. For example, the use of portals can help create new marketing channels and logistics, or provide better or faster product access for customers.\n\nIn comparison to other forms of marketing, Internet Promotion presents the advantage of reduced budget and storage costs, when compared with printing brochures, producing television or radio advertisements or managing a call centre. It presents a fast and cost effective option for penetrating new markets.\n\nMarket Penetration\n\nWith millions of person using the Internet to search for products and services, small businesses can penetrate other markets at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing methods.\n\nWebsites act as virtual storefronts, allowing businesses to stay open 24/7. Internet Promotion gives a business greater visibility, thereby creating more opportunities for increasing its customers at relatively low cost. Never before has it been easier for an upstart business to be able to reach out to literally millions of potential customers and to position themselves for success, without the need for costly infrastructure and overwhelming marketing costs. Thanks to the Internet, new businesses can become popular almost overnight.\n\nLow Cost, Instant Communication\n\nEmail makes business communications instant, whether the customer or business affiliate is across the street or across the globe. It makes it easier for customers to maintain contact and readily facilitates repeat purchasing. An effective online strategy can therefore turn a small web business into a virtual cost saver and income-generating machine. The net result is that the small business can gain significant competitive advantage in a given market.\n\nMany online businesses have therefore resorted to the use of ezines, blogs, pop-up ads and other online marketing tools to let customers know about new products or services as well as provide information relevant to their respective industry. The benefits of this strategy are two fold. Marketers can effectively heighten brand awareness for relatively new products on the market whilst strengthening customer relationships, with shorter time frames.\n\nContent is Timeless\n\nInternet Promotion also provides the advantage of being enduring. Whereas participation at a trad
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Try a few of these methods and watch your sales soar! \n1.   Launch a Web site. Web sites provide your company with worldwide exposure and give your customers convenient access to your services and products.  \n  \n2.   Host a grand opening or open house. Invite local business owners and residents from surrounding neighborhoods. Provide refreshments, drawings for door prizes, free merchandise samples, and have plenty of business cards and company brochures on hand.  \n  \n3.   Monitor the quality of your services and products constantly. Satisfied customers who spread the word about your business are the best source of new customers. Pay attention to pricing, customer service, product availability and prompt delivery.  \n  \n4.   Explore various types of traditional advertising methods such as classified ads, yellow page ads, television and radio spots, and display ads in magazines and on other Web sites. Go with what meets your budget and best reaches your target group.  \n  \n5.   Support a local charity by sponsoring a fundraising event such as a food drive, toy drive or walkathon. Arrange for a formal presentation of your donation with cameras at the ready and try to get a local newspaper to publish the photograph.  \n  \n6.   Distribute fliers and business cards door to door, place them under car windshield wipers and tack them to local apartment, college and community center bulletin boards.  \n  \n7.   Maintain a visible presence within your industry. Participate in trade shows, attend community events and offer to speak on your area of expertise at seminars.