Marketing 101

Advertising 101

 

Two of the largest obstacles that businesses need to overcome are “How to get the consumer to know you are there” and “Why they need your product or service”.  The solution is simple, advertising.

 

No Customers, No Money

 

One of the biggest mistakes that a company can make, when business slows down, is to cut back on advertising.  I am not saying this because I am in the advertising business but if you just take a minute to think about it, you will see how BIG of a mistake this could be.  If you are not getting enough customers, why would you cut back on the one thing that brings the customers to your door?  It may be easy to say, “It is the economy and no one is making money now”.  However, take the time to check it out and you may be surprised in what you see.

 

Advertising in a slow economy can give you the edge on your competition.  There may be fewer buyers, but the ones out there are going to the businesses that are reaching out to them.

 

There is no question that times have changed and it is not as easy as it once was.  This does not mean that it is “over” for your industry; you may just need a new approach.  I hear it all the time, “I have been marketing my company the same way for over 10 years”.  My question is, “How is business doing?” I usually hear, “Business is slow but everyone is slow now.”  My reply is, “Why has your competition had a great year so far? Could it possibly be that they have taken your customers?”  I apologize for being so forward, but let’s get real, if you have been doing the same thing for 10 years and are not getting the response you want; don’t you think it is time for a change?  Stop blaming the economy or too much competition – start doing something about it.

 

Make Smart Investments

 

Not every form of advertising is right for you.  Take your time and see what you want to accomplish. Who is your target, what incentives do you have, and what is the best way to get this message to the people?

 

This brings me to my next point – cheaper is not always better.  Sometimes spending less money is worse then spending no money.  Keep in mind that old saying, “you get what you pay for”.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t look for a good deal.  I just want you to be careful for those who say they can save you lots of money on advertising.  This usually ends up costing you more in the end, the response.  The whole point on investing in advertising is getting your name out and getting people to come to you.  So make sure you find out why you are getting such a good deal and at what cost.

 

When it comes to advertising, there are two things that may cause it not to work; using the wrong type of advertising and putting out the wrong message.  Before you make a decision, take your time and ask a lot of questions.

 

 

Sum It Up

 

In closing, everyone may have a different idea on the best way to market their company.  Yet, everyone will agree that you need to keep your name and message out there in order for your business to stay on top.  The only way to accomplish this is by advertising.

 

Jon McLeod

Mobile Exposure

(239)405-7814