7 sensible marketing tips

below is a practical list of marketing tips that any business can use during a recession. most of this is basic, but then again the best in marketing is like that. we all can use a nudge or a kick every now and again!

1. define your audience
know who you’re pitching at, and know what you offer of value to them. there’s no room for guesses at times like this, or worse, errors. advertising absolutely must deliver the right message, must be targeted at the right people and be visible in the right place at the time the customer is ready to buy.

2. focus on strong ROI channels
when budgets aren’t tight, you often can’t afford to be everywhere at once…so make sure you are at least in the places where you’re most effective. pre-qualified opportunities are always best, where people are already actively seeking what you provide. ROI isn’t about how you pay, it’s about what you get: i.e. achieving your desired goals.

3. stay active in social circles
online communities and blogging have emerged as effective new ways to connect to customers. going to networking events and making sure your friends know what you’re doing is also warm selling. let prospects know what’s going on at your organization, talk about the benefits of new offerings…but keep it real. people quickly see through commercials disguised as conversations.

4. engage existing customers
relationship building doesn’t mean slamming customers with phone calls. instead, provide useful information to them in non-intrusive ways, such as forwarding an email of direct interest to them or producing a newsletter. keep your name in front of them and supply knowledge that helps them to be more successful.

5. upsell, upsell, upsell
existing customers are now more valuable than ever to you. they know you and they believe in what you can deliver. overlook them at your peril. dedicate serious time and resources to cross-selling your current customers. use your knowledge of their business to reconnect and once again establish the value you bring.

6. ask for feedback
the surest way to find out what customers want is to simply ask them. marketers often overlook this important step in the process. every business has changed over the past few months. make sure you’re in tune with them now more than ever.

7. simplify website commerce
put simply, make sure it is painfully easy for people to buy products and obtain information online. don’t overlook the basics: like having your contact information current and prominent on every page of your website.

are you ready to get started at beating this recession?