Due to the current economic situation, business owners are going to have to be more resourceful than ever before when it comes to marketing their products and services. Listed below are five creative ways to attract more business in 2014:
1. Use Quick Response Codes
A Quick Response Code (QR Code) is a bar code that can be scanned with a smartphone to access a business website. QR codes can be placed on newsletters, magazine ads, business cards, etc. Quick Response codes can be set up to build email lists, advertise sales or even allow the customers to shop online for products and services.
2. Offer Discounts for Credit Card Purchases
One of the best ways to ensure timely payments, return customers and gain more credibility with the public is to accept credit cards. Once a merchant account is obtained and the business is set up for credit card processing, customers can then be offered a certain percentage or amount off for all credit card purchases. By offering a discount on each credit card transaction, the business will be gaining both the initial sale and repeat sales thereafter.
3. Go Online
Both a business website and blog can be used to boost sales by informing the public about new products and services. In addition, social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are all valuable links for interacting with existing and potential customers, which can also help to increase sales and product awareness.
4. Offer Incentives for Referrals
One of the best ways to gain a new customer is through a glowing review from someone the business already serves. To encourage referrals, consider offering a reward (such as a deal or discount on their next purchase) to both the new customer and the person who referred them.
5. Donate Products or Services to a Charity Event
Donating products or services to a local charity event is a great way to show community involvement while at the same time promoting the business. Most non-profit organizations and charities have some type of recognition program. This usually means the business name is included in some form of advertising at the charity or non-profit event. Often this helps to increase sales from people who see the name and want to support the business because it is involved in something they believe in.
Finding ways to increase sales in an uncertain market is tough. However, with a little creative thinking and a lot of hard work, the business can be a thriving and growing company in 2014 and for many years to come.