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48 Replies Last post: Dec 14, 2008 2:45 PM by Iwrite

Advertise or die

Nov 19, 2008 9:51 AM

Click to view Iwrite's profile Mogul Iwrite 985 posts since
Dec 29, 2007
The economy is in bad shape; people are losing their jobs; companies and industries are teetering on the brink!

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICES!!

No, this is not a pitch to get you to use my services or some joke. I am totally serious. Now IS the best time to advertise hard. Customers are getting more cautious with their money, times are hard, doubt and fear are the flavor of the day.

But you and I are small businesses. We don't have a strong presence in the market. If we're going to survive this downturn or whatever you want to call it, we've got to be smarter about doing business. We need to maintain a presence in the mind of our customers! We need to call attention to the fact that we are still here. We need to advertise like there is no tomorrow, because if we don't - there may not be a tomorrow. No one is busting down your door to get what you are selling. Large companies and corporations can pulled back on their advertising spending because they have built up momentum over the years through frequent and consistent advertising - we have not.

I am not talking about throwing money at people, I am talking about carefully and thoughtfully crafting a strong advertising message and reaching out to present and potential customers. Switch from a passive effort to an aggressive approach - get your name out there. Start looking at things differently:

How can your community help support your business?

What are some easy and inexpensive ways to get your name out there?

What is it that you offer that sets you apart from everyone else?

What is it customers want from you and how can you deliver on that need?

I want to thank Lighthouse for waking me up. I was about to walk away from this forum because it had become something different from what it was when I joined a year ago. Then I read a comment from him on another post where he questioned whether this forum would be around for another year the way it is going. And I realized, I didn't come here to make money - my client base tends to be a lot larger. I came here to get a better understanding and maybe help folks along the way. Well, I decided that it was time to get back to that.

I don't know everything about advertising but I am willing to help as many folks as possible by answering your questions about how to better advertise your business. I will not do it for you but I will help you by sharing my knowledge and experience. So, if you are interested in growing your business - post your questions and let's get to work. Let's go about making this forum what it should be. Any takers?

Iwrite
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Click to view DomainDiva's profile Mogul DomainDiva 1,488 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
1. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 10:28 AM
As I was watching TV this AM I saw a LOT of advertising for new luxury cars. HARD advertising for luxury cars. These car makers are after the small group of people that are 'well qualified' to get the credit (or pay cash) to purchase these vehicles. We as small business owners have to get the word out so that we survive....advertising and marketing is the way to do that.

IWrite is a valuable member of our team and has worked closely with us to refine and present our message to the world. I for one am thankful that I decided early on that advertising and marketing were key components to the business success as well and even more thankful that I met IWrite!
Click to view unclefester's profile Mogul unclefester 21 posts since
Nov 17, 2008
2. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 12:00 PM
Thank you for staying and helping the rest of us.

I also have a question, my property borders Wilson River hwy and does anyone know how hard it would be to put in a billboard on the property. Might be interested in leasing the land to a company that runs those large bill board, maybe for trade on advertising space on it. Let me know.

Thanks
Tim
Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,382 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
3. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 12:11 PM

Mediums that sell advertising haven't "suffered" too much in this economy yet -- thanks to plenty of ads associated with a major election, the upcoming Holidays, and big companies that are trying to move some less-than-glorious products before year-end (luxury cars, Windows Vista, etc.).

As a business owner, I'm predicting that come January, that will change -- and there might be some real bargains on advertising space and time, especially at the local level. So that might be another reason to underscore Iwrite's advice. There might be no better time than now for a small business that serves a local market to explore the idea of an ad campaign.
Click to view puzzleman's profile Mogul puzzleman 270 posts since
Oct 11, 2007
4. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 2:08 PM
About June of this year, I made the decision to increase our advertising as the production end of my business is running very well. My plan is to also increase my payroll by adding a production manager in July of 2009. This is so that I can spend more time on sales.

I am not changing my plans due to the economy. I feel that with things being financially tight right now for people, that they will look for the most bang for the buck. I am not talking about cutting prices or sales on items but rather increasing the awareness of quality and why my products are worth the price.

I also feel that the people who keep lowering their price till they are the lowest make their product a commodity. My thinking is that they will beat each other into the ground on the price and I can stay above the price fray.

So, to Iwrite, I agree. Keep on pushing the advertising and do it even harder if possible.

Jim
Click to view Iwrite's profile Mogul Iwrite 985 posts since
Dec 29, 2007
5. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 4:29 PM
in response to: unclefester
You're welcome. Contacting your local billboard companies about them using your land should be easy, the key is to get a fair price for the use of your land. I would contact them and find out what they charge for similar billboards along the same stretch of road. Remember that you aren't going to get that but it will give you an idea of what is fair.

I would call as many outdoor companies as possibly for your area. The more bids, the better. Good luck.
Click to view Iwrite's profile Mogul Iwrite 985 posts since
Dec 29, 2007
6. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 4:34 PM
in response to: Lighthouse24
Amen. Even now, cable TV is starting to get really competitive with their prices and programs. I think the rest of the media will follow.

I just want to encourage people to think about the message now, so that when the time is right you will have a clear idea of what it is you want to say. Lighthouse hit the nail on the head - think about campaigns, not one shots. Plan for a continuous message. Establish yourself as an expert or the highest quality. Tell your story.
Click to view Iwrite's profile Mogul Iwrite 985 posts since
Dec 29, 2007
7. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 4:39 PM
in response to: puzzleman
This is what the forum should be!!

Puzzleman has said a mouthful - he has a plan and he is sticking to it. Americans are strange consumers, charge too much and they think you are trying to take them, but charge too little and they believe something is wrong with what you are offering. Use your advertising to justify your price! Sure everyone loves free but no one values a free item as much as something that they paid for.

Hey, you guys didn't need me! I really wish everyone had a marketing plan as part of their business plan. I really do not believe this economy can turn around without the success of small and medium sized businesses.
Click to view intechspecial's profile Mogul intechspecial 1,445 posts since
Jan 6, 2008
8. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 4:48 PM
in response to: puzzleman
If the economy continues to head on its current path, we will find many businesses closing their doors.

Now is the time to step up what your offerings are, analyze the competition, and make sure all things are in order so that you are at the head of the pack.

The weak in business WILL NOT survive this tough time, or if they do they will barely even stay afloat.

Creativity and untapped markets should be the focus for businesses lacking success.

Unique and inexpensive ways of reaching this markets should be a core focus.
Click to view Iwrite's profile Mogul Iwrite 985 posts since
Dec 29, 2007
9. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 5:32 PM
in response to: val_cards
How is this a benefit for a business owner? What does it offer customers? How is it any different from the cards that are locally offered?

I'm not being negative but just posting a link doesn't tell me why I should leave the forum and visit the site. What's my motivation? You haven't established a connection with me. I feel like you just want to sell me something without knowing who I am. What are the chances I am going to use your cards?

This is how customers might respond if you don't talk to them instead of talking at them. Sometimes it is better to take your time to make the sale. Even business people like to presented to. Even your site does not tell me a compelling story up front. I had to read through a good amount of copy to even figure out the benefit. Nothing beats having a solid message.

Just a thought.
Click to view intechspecial's profile Mogul intechspecial 1,445 posts since
Jan 6, 2008
10. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 5:39 PM
in response to: val_cards
Thanks for the information val_cards, this is most certainly a great way to advertise, and is definitely relevant to the topic.

Do not get discouraged when you recieve negative feedback on this site, as their are many, many others in this community that offer support without avail.

Mike(inTech "Special")

Click to view intechspecial's profile Mogul intechspecial 1,445 posts since
Jan 6, 2008
11. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 5:46 PM
in response to: val_cards
Thanks for the information val_cards, that is most certainly a valueable assest to any business.
Click to view val_cards's profile Mogul val_cards 166 posts since
Nov 1, 2008
12. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 5:47 PM
in response to: intechspecial

Each *Val-Card*™ contains 18 - 20 valuable savings and discounts
redeemable at each participating merchant for a period of 6 months. The combined discounts
offered on each Val-Card exceed $1000 in savings.

Businesses like themthey bring in more c

Consumers like them because they save money with great discounts.


Val-Card is mailed to 50,000 homeowners located within your
business community every six months. That's tens of thousands of new customers
carrying your "ad" in their wallets ready to do business with you for six months! Toll Free 1-877-VAL-9898 visit: http://www.val-card.org/val-cards/

Click to view intechspecial's profile Mogul intechspecial 1,445 posts since
Jan 6, 2008
13. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 5:52 PM
in response to: val_cards
Thanks again!

It really is all about marketing and advertising, without avail!
Click to view Iwrite's profile Mogul Iwrite 985 posts since
Dec 29, 2007
14. Re: Advertise or die Nov 19, 2008 6:00 PM
in response to: intechspecial
Intech,

I recognize that you don't like me. No problem. If you want only happy comments, please feel free to start a post that is nothing but encouragement. But I thought you of all people would not appreciate an attempt to "hijack" a thread to sell a product or service since you cry about it so much. I guess that only applies when you are attacking me or the others you don't like.

Can we get back to the discussion?
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