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Marketing has hit an all time high. The shopping frenzy has begun. With less than three months until the gift giving season is here every day wasted counts heavily towards your income potential for the year.
I cannot think of a better time to make use of your marketing dollars than to put your money where their mouths are. That is why when your customers insatiable appetite for a deal has been raised to an all time high, I ask you, why not take advantage of their desire by offering a taste of things to come.
You might assume that what I am suggesting only applies to you if you have a food oriented business. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Businesses of all venues can make use of this "teaspoon" marketing style.
If you have been in business for any length of time at all I am sure you have received the card friendly catalogue with the sample card enclosed. So how do you turn this buying frenzy to your advantage? How about following the trend of the retail stores that offer you buy one get one free deals? Then there is always the free shipping offer that you could make. You might set it up as a minimum purchase required to make it worth your investment. I would classify those as samples too. I have even heard of service oriented businesses offering the first hour free. Now there's one I can sink my teeth into. How about you?
If neither of those appeal to you why not try offering a before you buy choice? This is a win-win offer; better known as Risk Reversal in the marketing world. Are their people who have raised their hand in interest throughout the year? Maybe they contacted you, or even purchased a product or service, in the past; they might be good sources of new or repeat business? It has been proven that people who buy once are more likely to buy from you a second and third time if you merely market to them. The Boston's Consultant Group states in their article Retailing Online: Coming of Age, "Retailers, on average, generated $7 in revenue for every dollar invested in acquisition and $25 for every dollar spent on retention, each nearly double the previous year's averages of $4 and $13, respectively." Now how can you not like those stats?
We all love contests and prizes. Do you know of an event that is accepting prize donations? Be the first to step up and give a little taste of your wares as a prize. Not only will the winner enjoy your gift but think of the free publicity! Haven't heard of any? Start your own. If you need or want help, partner with another like-minded business owner and make it a joint venture. You have just doubled your exposure by marketing to each other's lists.
There are many marketing techniques that fit into this category. No one marketing technique will work for everybody. Find the ones that fit your business and personality and utilize them again and again to ensure your business success. Every once in a while stretch your taste buds and try something just a bit different. Hey, you might just find something that works even better than a system you have used in the past.
These are just a sampling of how you can increase your bottom line with a few simple solutions. So before it's too late get your holiday marketing plan set and in motion. Consider your customer; if you were trying to decide which product or service to use and one offered a sample or trial and the other didn't what would you do? Think like your customers and your marketing results are sure to fill your plate.
Ginger Marks is the founder of DocUmeant Designs, "We Make YOU Look GOOD!". For more information, visit http://www.documeantdesigns.com Mrs. Marks is currently working on her second annual Holiday Marketing Guide. Look for it soon at http://www.HolidayMarketingGuide.com/