The Easy Way to Sell
Use these cheap promotion tactics so people know what you sell
The Skinny
If you had a boat that others could use in the middle of a flood, wouldn’t you want to tell people about it? You can’t put that boat in your garage and expect people to know it’s there, nor could you set it out in your yard without a sign or way to reach people and just expect them to ask to use it. In this same way, we cannot expect everyone to run to our website or storefront begging for us to sell them products and services. Therein lies the most common mistake that businesses make; they do not ask others to purchase from them. No matter the marketing plan, the strategy used, or the business goals you have set, they don’t matter one bit if you don’t promote. Here are the three ways you can break the ice and get to promoting your business.
The Fat
- Talk to People
Talking to people is not always everyone’s favorite thing to do, especially if you are an extreme introvert like many of the artisans out there. However, it is something we can do every day without much extra time or money. If you are excited about what you are doing, this shouldn’t necessarily be difficult. For those who still don’t enjoy the process, spend some time practicing key points about what you sell and why someone needs to buy it.
The more folks you can talk to, the better, so spend some time identifying who you can talk to outside of your daily interactions. Business to business can simply go into offices and talk to people. Identify how you can bring them value in a short communication, and leave something behind if possible. Same with just talking to people in public. Find a well-trafficked area, have a stack of business cards, and get to work. Talking to people on the street or in their office isn’t exactly a glamorous gig, but it gets results!
2. Send Emails and Letters
Emails and letters are GREAT for you introverts out there. Go back to who your target market is and identify how you can use emails and letters to reach them. If you are a business to business company, you will have easier access to a contact email or physical address of which to send to someone who could make a decision on your product or service. If you are a business to consumer company, narrow down your emails and letters to influencers and meet-up groups to get your products in front of more people at one time. For instance, directly contacting a local book club would be an excellent way to try to get your novel in front of readers.
You may feel like the conversion of people from looking at your emails and letters would be quite low, but if there is a flood and people need your boat, they will ask to use it. Be sure to make multiple iterations of these emails and letters, nailing down your message so people understand how your product can benefit them, and why you are selling/giving it to them. Additionally, be selective about your target market. If you can draw natural connections to the audience, you will undoubtedly have a higher conversion rate, so spend time on these areas. All in all, a quick email or letter is an easy way to get in front of folks and get started with your marketing efforts.
3. Social Media Socializing
Social media socializing is important with any social media platform. No matter if you are on Facebook or Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat, they are social media because they are intended for folks to interact. Use them as such.
Unleash your inner extrovert from behind a screen with social media. All you have to do is like, comment, and find relevance on social media platforms. Of course, doing so takes some time, but if you have identified platforms in your planning, you know where to be. Now, just do it. The power of hashtags means you can find people who are interested in your topic, in your product, or even in your service at the click of a button. #Ineedaboat has over 7,600 posts on Instagram. *Drop mic*
The Takeaway:
No matter if you have the best plan or the most resources, these three ways to promote your product are the core of promoting your business. Though these methods are a little on the old school side with a modern twist, they are tried and true methods of guerrilla marketing tactics that should not be ignored for any small business or startup. If you want sales, make it happen.
