When was the last time you took a day off?
I’m talking about a real day off, too.
Not a half day. Not a day spent away from your business but still racking your brain about it.
I mean a full day away without any work-related stress.
Now when was the last time you took multiple days off in a row?
Truth is there aren’t enough hours to do everything just to keep your local business going … let alone take time away from it.
You’re the reason your business is still open. You’re the glue that holds it all together.
Which means every minute you spend doing something other than what you do best is a minute your business suffers.
And that even includes marketing if marketing isn’t your strength.
Now, I’m guessing marketing isn’t where you *want* to spend your time.
But unless you can shell out thousands of dollars to someone else, you have to do your marketing yourself.
Which is why your #1 marketing priority should be keeping things simple.
Make a goal not to do any marketing yourself that takes more than an hour of your time.
But what could you possibly do in under an hour that produces real results in your business?
Here are 4 quick, effective ideas to get you started.
1. Collect contact information.
Whether on your website or in your physical location, be pro-active about collecting names and e-mails from your customers and clients.
Because a loyal customer list is the biggest asset your local business has.
Offer people something in exchange for their information like a special coupon or a one-time discount. And always promise not to share or abuse their information.
2. E-mail your customer list.
Now that you have your customers’ e-mails, it’s time to contact them.
E-mail marketing is one of the most powerful – and least expensive – ways to marketing to your customers, clients and prospects on a regular basis.
If you’re not currently using e-mail marketing in your local business, you’re missing daily opportunities to generate new business, to sell more to existing customers and to nurture relationships that create loyal, life-long customers and clients.
More on local business e-mail marketing coming soon…
3. Ask a customer for a testimonial or recommendation.
This can be as simple as asking the question, “What do you like best about [Insert Your Business Name Here]?” Take down the answer in a notepad, with a voice recorder or with a hand-held video camera.
Customer testimonials are a powerful tool for attracting new business, generating referrals, and increasing your word of mouth marketing. So start collecting them today and incorporate them into your marketing wherever possible.
4. Update your Google Local Listing.
Updating your listing more often helps you stay at the top of the search results. Add a coupon, picture, or a blurb about an upcoming event. Add anything appeals to your customers and keeps your listing fresh.
(Don’t have a Google Local Listing? Find out how to get listed for free here)
Marketing you local business doesn’t have to be complicated, and it shouldn’t take all your time.
Do these 4 simple things every week, and you’ll see real results in no time at all.
