Simple as 123

Marketing is the backbone of every business. Simply put, you have to let people know you exist before you make any money. But, if you don't know what you're doing, you can waste a lot of time and money before you figure it all out.

So, following are the three most effective advertising outlets for small businesses

1. Flyers: Not sexy or high-tech, but effective. As a general industry rule, direct mail - which is the classification flyers fall into - garners a 1-3% response rate.

I read of one case on small business forum that garnered a 15% response rate.

So, I'd venture to say that you can almost count on a minimum 2% response - assuming that your pricing is in line with what other providers are asking.

2. Door Hangers: Akin to flyers, but a bit more personal because you actually go up to the prospect's house and put them on the door.

3. Word-of-Mouth: While this may seem like something that's out of your control, it really isn't.
It is probably the most effective of the three methods, because it comes from a third-party source, eg, a referral from a trusted friend, relative, co-worker.

How Do You Control Word-of-Mouth?

a) Provide superior service: A given, but the first step in making it happen.

b) Ask for referrals: Many business owners leave it up to their customers to recommend them. Be proactive - ask them for the names of potential customers.

c) Get testimonials: Again, ask for them, and once you get them, place them on your marketing materials. This means your website, your brochure, your flyer, your door hanger, etc. Nothing speaks to potential customers like existing customers.

d) Follow-up with existing clients: Once you've serviced a client, don't forget about them. Send follow-up materials - a customer service survey, a discount coupon, a referral incentive, etc. to keep your name constantly in front of them.

A marketing rule is that 80% of your business will come from 20% of your existing clients. So, constantly follow up with them - unobtrusively, but consistently.

Use these three methods to get your business off the ground and grow it as large, or keep it as small, as you want.