Nothing beats word-of-mouth when it comes to expanding your customer base, but when it comes to getting people talking, you've got to crawl before you can walk. That’s where advertising comes in. Don’t worry – there are plenty of simple, effective ways to target your potential customers without needing all of Madison Avenue at your back. Below is just a small glimpse at the myriad of ways that you can keep your name in the conversation:
1. Targeted Online Advertisements
Just last year, Facebook has surpassed 1 billion active users. That means that nearly 1 in every 6 people worldwide regularly use this insanely popular social networking service. Big online companies such as Facebook and Google allow you to target your ads to where they will be the most effective. Whether your ideal client is a 45 year old housewife in Metairie or her 22 year old son in the Marigny, you can make sure your message is seen by the right person.
2. Social Media
In addition to selling to your clients through targeted ads, social media networks allows you to engage with your audience directly. The trick here is to make your Facebook page or Twitter feed something that your customer will want to follow. Sending out coupons or Facebook-only deals works, but an even better strategy is to provide fun and engaging content that your customer will want to see. Statuses and tweets that your customers deem valuable will likely get shared on their own network, providing you a great opportunity to increase your visibility at virtually no cost.
3. Print Media
Despite whatever lamentations you may have heard, print most certainly is not dead. In fact, it remains one of the most valuable ways to advertise to new customers. Find a publication whose readership matches your ideal client – you may find that advertising in a niche local magazine or specialty newspaper may be a better use of your advertising dollars than a smaller ad in a larger paper.
1. Targeted Online Advertisements
Just last year, Facebook has surpassed 1 billion active users. That means that nearly 1 in every 6 people worldwide regularly use this insanely popular social networking service. Big online companies such as Facebook and Google allow you to target your ads to where they will be the most effective. Whether your ideal client is a 45 year old housewife in Metairie or her 22 year old son in the Marigny, you can make sure your message is seen by the right person.
2. Social Media
In addition to selling to your clients through targeted ads, social media networks allows you to engage with your audience directly. The trick here is to make your Facebook page or Twitter feed something that your customer will want to follow. Sending out coupons or Facebook-only deals works, but an even better strategy is to provide fun and engaging content that your customer will want to see. Statuses and tweets that your customers deem valuable will likely get shared on their own network, providing you a great opportunity to increase your visibility at virtually no cost.
3. Print Media
Despite whatever lamentations you may have heard, print most certainly is not dead. In fact, it remains one of the most valuable ways to advertise to new customers. Find a publication whose readership matches your ideal client – you may find that advertising in a niche local magazine or specialty newspaper may be a better use of your advertising dollars than a smaller ad in a larger paper.
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