5 Easy Marketing Steps

Many small-business owners think marketing is something have you have to do every six months or so. But if your marketing is constant and targeted rather than occasional and unfocused, business gets easier. If potential customers have a positive view of your goods, services and reputation before they start shopping, you're that much closer to getting that customer in your door. Marketing is also not tied to a price tag. Marketing is defined only by putting the right message in front of the right person at the right time. Here are 5 ideas for getting your name out there:


1. Take steps to make customers feel special. Customers respond to being recognized, especially in these rush-rush, get-the-lowest-price times.

2. Develop an electronic mailing list. Most grocers have a weekly sale flier, but why not try an e-mail marketing newsletter. It is a cheap and easy way to stay in front of your customer. Just be sure that signing up for the e-newsletter is quick and easy by adding the link to your website or adding the address for the e-newsletter to your weekly sales flier.

3. Take part in community events. Join in some of your community events. This will put you in the position of getting to know a lot of people and also show you care about what goes on in your neighborhood.

4. Become an online expert. Using the internet is a cheap and easy way to reach thousands of potential customers. Utilize free services such as Facebook and Twitter. You can also have a website created for a nominal fee.

5. Don't let customers slip away. It costs a lot less to retain a disgruntled or inactive customer than to acquire a new one. Make an effort to reel them back in. If you customer hasn’t been in your store in some time, send a personalized e-mail and/or an incentive to get them back through your door.