From Postcards to Profits: 10 Great Ways to Promote Your Business

Here are time-tested tips which will help you increase your sales in a cost-effective way:

1.      Professional Materials—Produce high-quality, professional materials for all of your branding and marketing initiatives.  Business cards, letterhead, brochures, note cards, post cards, giveaways and even return address labels should all match and make a strong impression.

2.      Powerful Logo—The logo of your company is often the first thing that someone sees.  Don’t take it for granted.  It should communicate the values of your company—strong, dedicated, customer focused, etc.—and be on all of your marketing and branding materials.

3.      High Impact, High Frequency—Promotional mailings are one of the most cost-effective ways to keep you top of mind with your customers.  Look for high-impact, full color postcards that inform customers of your latest successes or upcoming sales.  The frequency of the communication is almost as important as what you say.  Mail your customer base twice a month for the best response.

4.      Reinforce Your Brand—Stay in front of your customers every day.  Look for cost-effective options that have staying power.  Business card magnets are a great way to ensure your customers will place your business and contact information in a frequently viewed location like the refrigerator.

5.      Handwritten Note Cards—There is no substitute for a hand written note.  It’s inexpensive and has a strong impact.  Sending hand written cards to key customers for special sales or discounts is very effective.  Hand written thank you notes are also appreciated and make a lasting impression because they show you go the extra mile.

6.      Extraordinary Business Cards—Don’t underestimate the power of the business card.  It’s often the first thing someone sees when you meet them for the first time and they are you when you aren’t there. Make sure your business cards are high-quality, full-color and make an immediate impact.  Distribute them freely ensuring your name gets out there often.  Give a stack of cards to colleagues who will pass them along to potential customers.

7.      Don’t Forget the Holidays—Holiday cards are an important way to let your customers know that you appreciate them.  Pick high-quality, cost-effective, color cards.  Make sure your logo and company messaging are integrated into the cards. Consider sending cards for Thanksgiving or customer birthdays to stand out from the crown.  If your business is seasonal or cultural, use holiday cards to celebrate related holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or the beginning of summer.

8.      Brochures—Customers like to review information from home.  Clear and easy-to-read brochures with product or service information are important.  Skip photo-copied fliers on colored paper and shoot for full color glossy materials.  Hand them out in the store or at shows and conferences.

9.      Great Giveaways—Give your customers a useful and appreciated gift that they will actually use.  Stay in front of them all year long with seasonal professional sports calendars.

10.  Email Communication—Communicate with your customers via email in addition to regular mail.  Match your e-signature to your business card with unique e-business cards—electronic versions of your business cards that are included in every email.  Encourage customers to forward contact information, an excellent way to increase customer base.

No matter your budget, these simple tips will enable you to keep your company’s name in front of your customers.  For more ideas, visit www.vistaprint.com.