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Hey everyone

   I want to thank you for visiting my site. My passion for marketing and helping people and small businesses get the word out prompted me to start this blog. I'm going to add post weekly and sometimes daily with helpful must have knowledge. So don't forget to subscribe to keep up to the date on my latest blog news. 

The number 1 way to get new customers

When you saw the title of this blog, what was the first thing that popped in your mind? Some big amazing idea, some new trick that no one else knows about or maybe how much is this going to cost me. Well let me put your mind at ease. There is no get rich quick scheme here. No secret that I just figured out. Just the wonderful world of old fashion knowledge.

The number 1 way to get customers is by word of mouth. Yep that's it. Especially for small businesses this is a major key in survival. And it's free. When people like your business they will tell others. Which in turn if they like it they will tell others.

That is why Facebook and Twitter have become a key used to market businesses. From big to small they all use it. 

So now you need to encourage your customers, friends and family to get the word out about your business. 

Here are some tools that can help spread the word.

Tell everyone you know. And tell them to spread the word. 

Pass out business cards with your website and other info on it.

Facebook - You can create your personal as well as a business profile. Make sure you post regular.

Twitter - Great way to keep customers up to date quickly and straight to their phone.

Flyers/menus - Make sure they have all your info on it. Including website, Facebook etc..

Newsletter - This is  a great way to keep in touch with your current customers and new           customers. Be creative with this. Put information in it that people want to read. Things  that they want to read about. And print some out around town in your business.

Volunteer - Get out in the community. Show that you care about your area. And network. Make sure to always carry business cards.

Join local business groups - Get involved in any local groups that promote local businesses. Maybe you can meet other businesses you can partner with. 

Press Releases - If your company has a certain angle then you can get the media involved. 

Email - Build up an email list. So if you are having a sale or something special. Not only will your current customers see it but they might forward it to others.

Contests and Deals - If you run these your customers will get excited and they spread the word. 

Have cool logos printed up on products. 



     

Important information on directories for businesses

There are so many ways to advertise. One of the best ways is to list your business in directories. The more places your name is listed the more chances are people will see it. Most directories are free and it provides a great opportunity for a small business to look as professional as big competitors.

If your asking yourself is it really worth listing my business. Or your just not sure what a directory is then check out these great informational videos.

 http://www.ncsmallbusinesstraining.com/    Explains the importance of a directory.

How to set up directory in 7 minutes    This is a how to video.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xosua1_free-online-directories-yellowschmello-tip-for-the-day_news     Short videos with great tips.


Here is a list of websites that I found that have a great list. Start with the well known ones and work your way down.

 http://www.thenerdblurb.com/blog/all-of-the-top-online-business-directories-2012-updated-list.html

http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/10322/The-Ultimate-List-50-Local-Business-Directories.aspx

Where to start

 This by far is the hardest part. You either have a business you are starting or want to increase your current business. Either way I know the question, How do I reach people, is weighing heavy on your mind.
Before I go any further I want you to stop and ask yourself this one question. Is your business worth it. That's right. So many people are out their are selling crap just to make a buck. Or going after some get rich scheme that will make them millions.
First and foremost you have to know your business and believe in it. Secondly, you have to have a business people would want and be loyal to. Marketing can only increase a business that is worth promoting. You need to be different, memorable. So if your answer is no. Then you need to stop reading and reassess
what you want to promote. I can not stress this enough. Your business needs to be top notch. From great service, product to inviting environment. So if that is you then read on.
Ok, so now you have a great business that is worth marketing. The next thing is coming up with a strategy overview. This is just a basic bulls-eye target. Ask your self, who is your targeted audience. These are the people that you are trying to reach. People that your business is going to attract. This is one of the keys to coming up with the right marketing plan.
Now we have a great business worth promoting and the target audience we want to inform. Now what? For me there are two types of strategies I like to do. Inside the box and outside the box.
First lets tackle inside the box. This will be the base or core part of your marketing plan. It is the basics all business need to do to start. Here is a list of some core marketing check points. Depending on your business some may not apply.

 * Advertising - Signs that are visible and eye catching. Flyers that catch the eye and captures their attention. Ads in local papers, etc...

 * Online media - Website, Facebook, Twitter, etc...

 *  Blogging - This can serve as advertising yourself as well as your product/business.
  
* Newsletter- Great way to keep in monthly contact with your customers.

  * Pricing - You normally don't think about this as a marketing tool. But great prices make      for happy , returning customers.

The core part is now done. Everything is going great. Your business is starting to get noticed. You are now seeing a few regulars coming back and a trickle of new customers come in. But you want to reach a bigger audience. 
Here is where thinking outside of the box comes in. Now its time to really get those creative juices flowing. You've done all the typical things and now it's time to take it to the next level. So here are a few ideas on thinking outside of the box. 

 * Customers become your advertisers - That's right. Your regulars love your business. Now let them spread the love. Through social media, flyers, t-shirts, etc...
  
* Support local causes - Giving back to the community lets you not only reach lots of people    but lets the community know that you care about them.

 * Be apart of local events - Having a booth local events gives you a way you can advertise            and talk with people that may have never seen your advertisements. And one on one in            person is a great way to get people connected with your business.

 * Contest and Giveaways - Great way to get people excited and talking.

 Now you have the basics on how to get started. Now it's your turn. Time to sit down and put these suggestions on paper. If you have a staff get them involved as well. The more people brainstorming the more ideas will flow. 

There are more blogs to come. But I would love to hear from you. Let me know how this blog has helped you. Feel free to give me any suggestions for a topic or email me any questions you might have.