Marketing Minute: E-Newsletters

Want to try something new? Ready for a little innovation? Need something
inexpensive? I thought so! The time is right for you to start using all those
customer emails you've been collecting! You're going to start marketing
your company through an e-newsletter. You can do this in your existing
email program. Before you start make sure you have something of value to
give your customers. Find something really newsworthy, offer free advice,
or a special discount. Then don't inundate clients with messages, send no
more than one a month. A Quarterly e-newsletter is a great way to get started.
Remember to blind carbon copy your customers so you aren't sharing
their email address with everyone. Dig into your e-mail program and start
your e-newsletter this month.

Marketing Minute: Facebook Pages

We've talked a little about social networking in the past. Today I'd like to be more specific and suggest that you start a business Facebook page. It's fun and it's free. Go to facebook.com and follow the directions. It's simple and plenty of businesses are there getting good results. Surprisingly, I've had two jobs come to my business from Facebook. More people are communicating that way because there's no junk email. On your business page you can add video, photos and keep your Facebook friends updated on what fun projects you're working on. You can also add neat little applications that bring more function to your page like client reviews, detailed information about your company, web and audio links. Check out Facebook this week.

Marketing Minute: Your Name

Recently Hannibal La Grange College changed their name to Hannibal La
Grange University. There was some consideration given to changing the name
completely. I was delighted they chose to stay with the same basic name. The
name recognition and brand HLG has developed over the years is invaluable.
If you've been thinking about changing your company name or logo be very
cautious. You may be tired of the same name or design, but your customers
are probably still be trying to figure out who you are and what you do. Your
business name and logo is most powerful when used with consistency - this
is extremely important to building your own unique brand.