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FIVE WAYS TO JUMPSTART
YOUR NEW YEAR
Want to stir things up in 2007?
Ready to do something new
and exciting?
Read on.
1. Start a Customer-Loyalty Program
Reward loyal customers and keep
them coming back. A loyalty program could be as simple as a frequent-buyer incentive
(buy five, get one free; retain us for six months, get the seventh month half
price; etc.) or as elaborate as a point system, which ultimately allows clients
to collect on great gifts (dinner out; night on the town; weekend away). One of
our colleagues—a home-renovation company—uses the latter system and
recently sent a client and his wife to the Caribbean for a week. 2.
Launch a Referral Program
Referrals are one of your most valuable assets—and
you should encourage them by rewarding those who refer business to you. A simple,
handwritten thank-you note is, of course, de rigueuer. Better yet, how about sending
a small, thoughtful gift or gift card? Our home-renovation buddies (cited above)
award points to referrers, so clients who use and refer their services can rack
up points like crazy ... and get themselves to the islands more quickly.
3. Think Free
It is often said that the most important word in the
world of marketing is “free.” Think of something you can offer your
target market for free—free tips, a free consultation, a free seminar, a
free how-to guide, a free newsletter—then play it up like crazy in your advertising
materials. “Free” almost always boosts response rate. 4. Create
Strategic Partnerships
Align with companies whose businesses complement
yours and see how you can work together, share clients and/or promote each other.
For example, law practices and financial firms are often natural “complementers.”
Mr. Law Practice could send out a note on his letterhead offering clients a complimentary
consultation by Ms. Financial Firm. And she could do the same for him. Retailers
can work with other retailers in a similar way. If you own a restaurant, offer
customers a discount coupon to your favorite store. In return, the store owner
gives customers a free-drink voucher for your restaurant. There is very little
investment involved in these opportunities, so think about who you can team up
with—be creative! 5. Dial Up Sales with an 800 Number
Ads
bearing an 800 number are more widely noticed and generate a much better response
rate than those with regular numbers. In fact, twice as many people respond to
an 800 number versus a non-toll-free number. Why? Well, it’s free (see point
#3). But it also signifies to people that you’re big, professional and legitimate
(even if you’re small and working out of your basement). Toll-free numbers
are now affordable, so consider getting one today.
Need help launching a new
program?
Contact
the Turtles TODAY for marketing tools that
jump start your program.
Or, visit our Web
site to learn more
about us and our services. | 