A Free Way to Market Your Business

posted by Ted on October 1, 2011

By Mike Klassen

An on-going challenge your business probably faces is ensuring existing clients/customers continue calling on you. In other words, you want repeat business.

There are few businesses without any competition, so there’s a constant challenge to keep existing clients while bringing new clients on-board. However, many businesses (and especially freelancers) miss a perfect opportunity to sell to their most qualified buyers: current clients.

Millions upon millions of dollars are spent on brochures, newspaper ads, sales letters and a host of other marketing methods that may not be read, seen or heard.

But what’s the one thing from your company that every client reads?

Your invoice!

Unless you have deadbeat clients who don’t bother looking at their invoice, each client has to pay at least some attention to it. That’s why it’s one of the easiest opportunities to make another sale or uncover new prospects.

For example, my invoices often highlight some other service I offer, or remind the client that I’d appreciate being mentioned to their contacts who may need my services.

And how much did I spend on this marketing opportunity? Nothing!

In some cases, the person reading or paying the invoice is not the decision maker. That’s OK. Remember, it doesn’t cost you anything to make the attempt, so you’re not losing anything if the attempt fails.

In the best-case scenario, you’re going to alert the client to one of your services that he or she might not have been aware of. Or it might jog the person’s memory and they’ll think of someone who can benefit from your products or services.

But don’t overdo it. The invoice is not the place for an essay. Keep the copy short. I’d suggest no more than two sentences. Save the full-blown sales pitch for a more appropriate time.

And keep the design of the message simple. At most, use a highlighting marker. Another option is to use an asterisk or two to help the message stand out.

Your invoice is a free pass that gets by all the defenses people put up to avoid sales and marketing messages.

Are you wasting this golden opportunity?

- – - – - – - – -

Mike Klassen, The Magalog Guy, is a direct market designer specializing in the layout of Magalogs, Slim Jims, Issuelogs and Bookalogs.

In addition to working with clients across North America, Mike has taught copywriting and design in college and conference settings. His articles and advice on marketing and design have appeared in Print Professional Magazine, Home Business Magazine, Inside Freelance Design, and his own Magalog Guy Podcast on iTunes.

Mike is the author of “Increase Sales & Build Deeper Connections: How To Get Prospects To Pay Attention To The Story They Want And Need To Hear Before They Buy.” The free book, and other free marketing resources, are available at: http://www.magalogguy.com

(c) Copyright – Mike Klassen – All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: A Free Way to Market Your Business That is Often Overlooked

Tags:business plan,internet marketing,marketing campaigns,marketing strategies,marketing tips,online business,online marketing,small business