small business marketing, low cost, small budget, advertising

1. Marketing
on a Shoestring
Budget
Presented by Laura
Wiegert, Creative
Consultants

2. Your image
• Have a professional logo
– Can be done cost effectively
– Art student; or sketch out first
• Create a slogan/tagline
– Use EVERYWHERE
• Have consistency in your visual identity
– Ads, brochures, signage, etc.

3. Tell them about yourself
… everywhere
• Fax cover sheets
• Invoices
• Statement stuffers
• Business cards

4. DIY Marketing materials
• Post Cards
– Image, thank you, reminder,
informational
• Newsletter
– Print or email (constantcontact.com)
• Business Cards
• Bag Stuffers
• Table Tents

5. Get Involved
• Join the Chamber
• Participate in a Chamber
committee - build relationships
• Attend Chamber events
– Network
• Join a Service Club
– Chamber has list
• Volunteer with a nonprofit
– Related to your target customer

6. Public Relations
• News Releases
• Hold a PR event to generate
excitement
– Coloring contest for kids
– Fundraiser (ie, brat fry)
– Charitable donation event (ie, % of
sales for a day)
– Also make good news releases

7. Share your Knowledge
• Speak at a service club
• Hold a seminar
• Write a column
• Submit informational
releases/articles
• Remember to keep it informational
in nature; not SALES

8. Use the Internet
• Email signature
• Broadcast email
– constantcontact.com has free trial
• Web site
– Buildmyownsite.com
– Bravenet.com (free hosting and templates)
– Student
• Search engine submittal
• Site linking
• Blogs (share your knowledge)

9. Tap into your customers
• Ask for referrals/recommendations
• Ask for opinion – low cost research
• Follow up to a sale
• Remember to thank them regularly

10. Miscellaneous
• Cross marketing/promotions with other
companies
• Contests or free drawings
• Sandwich Board outside business
• Window sign/flyer
• Stickers - mini signs
• Car magnet
• Holiday cards - not just xmas
• Ask for business
• Promotional items with logo

11. Track your marketing
• Coupons
• Research
– Ask customers at point of sale
– Send surveys (once a year)
– Online surveys
• Surveymonkey.com
• Monitor changes in sales

12. Tips and tricks
• Be sure to make them part of your
annual marketing plan.
• Market consistently and have a
coordinated approach.
• Set goals and track your
effectiveness

13. Remember ...
• People buy people (relationships)
• Support those who support you.
• Marketing … just do it.
– And if you need help, call a
consultant. Initial consultations are
usually free.

14. Marketing on a
shoestring budget
What ideas do
you have?

15. Thank You!
Laura Wiegert
Creative Consultants
(920) 686-9989
lauraw@lsol.net