Marketing 101 suggestions

[sparklyscotty]

Hi everyone! I am writing an article for an online group that I work with (for jewellers). Being creative, they tend to avoid the marketing side of their businessses and so they stay small and local. I have gone from being in their position in February to launching a national retail line in September. The article is basically a fact sheet based on my experiences of building up my business, and taking a hands-on approach to marketing but I wanted to hear any gems of wisdom from all you marketing gurus out there. You will be credited of course. :)
-Angel-

[Rob Holmes]

I recommend testing every thing you do in the business against sales.

Test different methods and practices from how you get customers through to how you retain them AND everything you do in the day whilst working.

Include tracking codes on your marketing materials so you can test the most effective methods, watch for client retention ratios against marketing methods etc etc..

Also keep an exceptionally high standard of customer service and have a client-supportive cross sales system together so you can win your current customers loyalty towards your other products when it's time to buy.

Your customers should become your best marketing team.

Rob

[sparklyscotty]

Thanks Matrixx. Nobody else? I am submitting the article this weekend. If you want a link (and don't mind getting business from the US) give me your best advice.
-Angel-

[jasonj]

Look professional and people will treat you as professional. Never forget that first impressions really do count no matter what anyone says.

Jason Houlston - www.thecreativespring.com

5 years running my own business and still going strong - must be doing something right!

[Essence]

Well this comes late but I'll pass it on anyway!

Only engage in Marketing methods that you can afford to repeat on a regular basis. With so many hundreds of marketing messages that individuals are exposed to every day, unless you plan to pilot an air balloon around the world or aim to smash the current landspeed record in a vehicle with your logo printed all over it, you're likely to need to repeat your marketing message over and over several times for it to be remembered, accepted and trusted by your target audience.

So don't blow all your money on something big, flashy but instantly forgettable. Spend it on something that you can maintain over a period of time, and put in front of your customers at regular intervals.