Taking a grassroots approach
By alison ~ May 15th, 2009. Filed under: Advertising, Personal.
To supplement my job at Video and Collaboration Services, I have taken up some freelance work. Right now I have two clients that own small businesses- one in Orlando, the other in Alachua. It’s been a real test to the past four years of my life. All the studying and planning for success in advertising, now I get to actually quantify my efforts. My first exposure to the bottom line.
The problem with advertising for small businesses is the incredibly limited ad budget. Even a one-time newspaper ad can be too much of a splurge. Mailing lists and postage costs- forget sending direct mail! So I’ve been trying to encourage my clients to take a grassroots approach. Become an ambassador to the community and you will get an extremely loyal customer base. Take part in service projects on behalf of your business. Try posting your ad in a church bulletin instead of a big newspaper. Host an event or table at a farmer’s market. Write press releases and send them to publications- include digital images. Have an informational brochure, maybe even a product demonstration.
The best thing you can do is just be active in the community. Talk to people about your products in person. Be sincere and you will succeed.
One of my projects is to help optimize the Web site for the University of Doglando, and figure out how to promote their online store, “Bark Avenue.” If you have and advice, please let me know.
