Max-SuperheroMarketing
As a business owner it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Too much to do, too little time, too small of a budget.

Whenever you feel that way it is time to take a step back and think about all the quick, simple easy things you can do every day to grow your business and get the word out.

40 quick marketing tips, all of them can be done, or started right now to boost your business marketing.

From Nicole: To help my readers face their fear of numbers, and replace it with appreciation, I’ve asked some accomplished bloggers to share their thoughts about the number 40. Anything about the number 40 in any way, shape or form, to show how to embrace a scary number.

  1. Register domain typos: You don’t even want to know how many potential customers you might lose because they get your business name and/or URL slightly wrong.
     
  2. Do the same with emails.
     
  3. Put a QR code on your business card and all promotional publications.
     
  4. If you are a brick and mortar business set up a google places page: Google Places is often the first place local customers will look when they search online.
     
  5. Support a charity: Give a percentage of your proceeds to your favorite charity (or one that resonates particularly well with your target market), or host an on or offline event for them.
     
  6. Do an on the ground demo or presentation: It’s easy to forget that marketing is important in the offline world as well…..especially if you are a brick and mortar or local business.
     
  7. Partner with another local business on a promotion, event, etc.
     
  8. Start a blog, podcast or video show: Only if you are able to commit to it and make it worthwhile by offering useful and relevant information.
     
  9. Send a thank you, thinking of you or other note to a past or present client or prospect.
     
  10. Send holiday greetings to clients and prospects past and present (especially good on off holidays that people aren’t normally bombarded with lots of mail).
     
  11. Go to Chamber of Commerce events and other local business networking events.
     
  12. Release products (articles, ebooks, images) that can be used for free with attribution.
     
  13. Host or sponsor an event.
     
  14. Offer a coupon, groupon or the like.
     
  15. Build your email list and make the emails you send out worthwhile and informational (emphasis here on worthwhile and informational).
     
  16. Write a press release describing something special about your business, an event or other interesting pitch (a plus if you can tie it into other local news or events).
     
  17. Offer to speak about your area of expertise at networking events.
     
  18. Comment on articles and posts.
     
  19. Create package deals: These make it simpler for your consumer to utilize your services in a way that best meets their needs.
     
  20. Provide a free initial consultation.
     
  21. Join HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and scan the daily emails.
     
  22. Place promotional items in event and conference gift bags.
     
  23. Run targeted Facebook ads.
     
  24. Contribute articles to other companies’ newsletters or blogs.
     
  25. Volunteer your services to non-profits.
     
  26. Attend alumni events for your school (or participate in online networking platforms).
     
  27. Contact past clients: Just to check in, see how they are doing….NOT to ‘sell’ them.
     
  28. Attend events for your ideal clients’ industry.
     
  29. Print quick and cheap promo materials with your url (extra points for picking items that are creative and unique and really represent your business).
     
  30. Have a giveaway or donate your time as a prize in someone else’s giveaway.
     
  31. Survey clients about their needs and adjust accordingly.
     
  32. Ask past clients for testimonials.
     
  33. Create an informational ‘one pager’ handout that briefly explains your business and how you can help improve the lives of your customers or fill a need.
     
  34. Promote your business for free in local magazines, newspapers, community newsletters, etc. Many rely on voluntary writing contributions.
     
  35. Host a workshop or seminars for business leaders in your industry.
     
  36. Look into putting an ad in school sponsored publications (directories, PTA booklets, etc). Usually not to expensive.
     
  37. Take a day off: Sometimes your best ideas happen when you are away from the ‘daily grind’.
     
  38. Carry business cards with you every where you go, you never know when you might run into someone that might need your product or service.
     
  39. Perfect your elevator speech.
     
  40. Repeat. repeat. repeat.
     

Laura Petrolino is Founder and Managing Director of Flying Pig Consulting, a communications and business consulting firm which focuses on the needs of startups, small business and non-profits. She is also co-host of Call a Biz Hero, a kick ass web-based, Superhero led business talk show. Find her on twitter @lkpetrolino.