Publicity is all about garnering interest and getting people to talk about your business. If nobody knows you exist, it doesn't matter if you offer and are able to deliver three kinds of everything under the sun – with a money back satisfaction guarantee. You're not going to earn a profit because, in essence, you have no business.
So how does a new business that's just starting out or an established business that's fallen into a stagnate rut drum up interest among potential clients? By giving a little something extra that the competitors do not. The old adage about you have to give something to get something may not be the whole gospel truth, but it sure can't hurt.
*Give established clients a considerable discount (40% or more) for bringing in new business via referrals.
*Give new clients a 2 for 1 deal on their first purchase.
*Make sure it pays to be a returning customer by offering incentives for every third, fifth, etc. purchase.
*Designate one day of the week to be Customer Appreciation Day by offering discounts or other perks. You could do this once a month, too, and make a party out of it with refreshments, games, etc.
*Hold regular contests that encourage repeat business. You could give away goods or services to one lucky receipt holder of a purchase made during a certain time frame.
Business isn't all about attracting new clients. It's also about keeping the clients you do attract. Let's face it – customers are most likely to do business where they feel appreciated, regardless of the price. They would much rather deal with a business that is friendly and welcoming and pay a little more than to be snarled at by grumpy staff just to save a few bucks.
