From The Bright Ideas Bulletin, June 2000
One of the fastest ways to build your business is by letting others know you exist. You know, marketing.
No kidding, right? Yet sometimes we avoid "spreading the word" because we aren't comfortable with hard core selling.
Fortunately, there are all sort of ways to market your business, whether online or off, that will enable you to make easy sales without having to tackle prospects and take their wallets. One of my favorites is by writing.
Now you don't have to be a writer to write. If you can jot down simple instructions, this technique will work for you.
Here's what you can do:
If you have a new product, service, change of ownership, etc., write and distribute a press release to local media. Learn all about "how to" at http://www.netrageousresults.com/pr/
To increase traffic and become a recognized expert in your field, start a weekly or monthly column in a local or specialty publication. Discuss industry tips, news, upcoming events, etc. For plenty of writing resources, visit www.writebusiness.com.
If you have a website or even just a homepage, start an ezine with information about your business or industry. Visit www.ezineuniversity.com to learn more about starting an ezine.
Don't want to write everything yourself? Both Article Announce at www.web-source.net and Articles For Reprint at www.writebusiness.com offer a growing collection of free articles you can use in your newsletter.
Want a cheap, effective way to drive visitors to your site? Write articles that others can publish in their ezines. To learn how to do this, visit Ezinemoney at www.niftybusinessideas.com/ezinemoney.htm.
Have an expensive item to sell? Use an information article to pre-sell prospects. Tell them what to look for when buying such an item, the best time to buy, common rip-offs, etc. "Simple Ways to Make More Money," shows you effective ways to use this technique, www.niftybusinessideas.com.
Finally, another great way to increase traffic AND make money is by creating an infoproduct related to your business. You can use it as a lead in to your business, or sell it by itself to make money. Make Your Knowledge Sell! shows you how, www.niftybusinessideas.com/myks.htm.
Marketing comes in all shapes and sizes. If you prefer to "spread the word" from the comfort of your desk, use "the power of the pen" to build your business and make your sales soar!
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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is the author of "10 Simple Ways To Boost Your Income", which features dozens of simple ways to start or expand a business using your EXISTING knowledge, skills, and interests. To learn more, visit her website, www.niftybusinessideas.com.
Copyright © 2000 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes
diana@niftybusinessideas.com
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