There are a number of cost-effective ways to advertise a business, whether you are an entrepreneur or work for a small company. The key is deciding which advertising methods will work best for you. Additionally, you need to determine the most cost-effective ways of reaching customers and non-customer consumers or businesses. For example, certain advertising methods are more cost-effective for reaching customers, while they are not as effective reaching non-customer consumers.
Classified Ads
Classified ads are a highly cost-effective way to advertise products and services. Most magazine or newspaper publishers charge by the line. Therefore, you can determine how much you want to spend in advance. Most publishers will provide you with price breaks the more lines you add. For example, a classified ad may cost $50 for three lines and $60 for four lines. Consequently, you pay less for the last line than each of the first three lines.Classified ads do not usually pull as well as larger ads. However, you can use the extra savings to place multiple classified ads in various publications. Collectively, you may receive more sales or leads from the multiple classified ads, versus the one display ad.
Postcard Marketing
Postcards can also be highly cost-effective. Post cards usually cost less to produce than brochures. You also can mail postcards at cheaper rates than when using an envelope. Write a strong headline for your postcard to attract peoples' attention. Address the type of customer you want to attract in the postcard headline. For example, say, "Lose 10 Pounds this Month with New Formula!" to attract dieters through postcards. You also can promote postcards in card decks to save even more money. Card decks are usually wrapped in cellophane and contain 40 to 60 other advertisers. Despite the competition, the cost savings of using card decks can be significant. You can send 25,000, 50,000 or even 100,000 postcards out through card decks. However, you will need to choose the deck that markets to the types of customers who buy your products.
Radio
Radio advertising is also highly cost-effective. First of all, most radio stations will produce your commercial for free, according to "Entrepreneur" magazine. Contrarily, most TV production companies will charge you for creating commercials. Radio stations are also highly targeted. In other words, radio stations are specifically geared to certain age groups. Therefore, if you are selling a product to 25- to 34-year-old people, advertise on radio stations that appeal to these customers. Radio stations will let you know the demographics to which they appeal.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to advertise to existing customers, according to the Small Business Administration. Maintain a database of current customers and their email addresses on your computer or laptop. Send special promotions, which will not cost you a dime, out to customers periodically. You also can buy email lists from companies that sell leads. Email list companies sell both business and consumer leads. Companies that sell email lists include Infousa.com and the Data Supplier (see Resources). Email list companies will usually sell leads for a fraction of a penny each. You can then distribute your offers to thousands and even millions of people with a click of the button.
Tags: also highly, cost-effective ways, highly cost-effective, advertising methods, also highly cost-effective, card decks, companies will