You’ve got a great idea and a plan to turn it into a business, writes Entrepreneur StartUps.
Now all you need are customers–and to get them, you need to spread the word about what you’re doing.
One problem: Your marketing budget makes your grade school allowance look like a princely sum.
Find businesses in your backyard
Got local businesses that would be good customers? Susini suggests offering employee incentives to various businesses. Call their headquarters and ask how you can offer discounts or other special offers to their employees. If it’s a good fit, the HR department will promote your business to staffers without you having to do more than ring up sales.Give it Away
Free stuff is always a hit. Miller suggests offering free reports or special offers on your website in exchange for the prospect’s e-mail address. Retail businesses might consider a small gift with purchase or other loyalty program for customers who make repeat purchases.Pluck from the headlines
Publicity 101 tells you to build a media list and send relevant news releases to the contacts on it. That works, but Stacey Dolezal Susini, a former TV news reporter and the founder of Zontis Public Relations in Dallas, says you can get even more mileage by watching what’s in the news. In addition, by piggybacking on existing headlines, you can put yourself in the spotlight. “Is there a charitable organization in trouble? If so, host a food, coat or clothing drive for them at your place of business,” she suggests. Then call your local media and tell them what you’re doing.Photo by dallasmorningviewsblog.