Be Creative in Your Approach

Appeal to your customers in innovative ways

The best way to keep your business thriving and build customer loyalty, regardless of the economic climate, is to continually reinvent and re-energize your marketing efforts. But that doesn't mean you have to spend a lot more money. With a little creativity, you can offer something new and different to customers to help maintain, or even boost, repeat purchases and customer retention:

1. Broadcast for free. Blogtalkradio.com offers you the ability to host free online radio shows using nothing more than your computer and a phone. You can interview customers and experts in your industry, or talk about interesting ways to use your product. It's a great way to generate visibility for your business, increase your credibility with customers, and build buzz for your brand. Free exposure. How can you beat that?
2. Offer your expertise in unexpected ways. Seek out opportunities to convey what you know to people that could use the advice. For example, if you are an independent film company, you could host a filmmaking tutorial for wannabe filmmakers. Participants are likely to talk about their experiences in "free advice" sessions, thereby supporting your brand and providing the potential for easy referrals. You could also host a customer appreciation event for those who have referred others to your business in the past.
3. Support your community. Keep customers interested in your brand, and gain valuable exposure, by getting involved in community events. On a local level, you can increase name recognition, meet new people, and show your customers that you care.
4. Don't worry about being too "out there." It's important to keep an open mind as you brainstorm marketing ideas, even if they seem a little far-fetched at first. For example, rather than send your most loyal customers thank you cards, email them a short video that expresses your appreciation in a fun, engaging way. It gives you an opportunity to express your creative side and keep customers connected to your brand.