The Cheapest and Best Local Advertising Tip
Before we get down to the nitty gritty here, let us define the term ‘local advertising.’ When I mention that term in this article, I specifically mean area specific business that serve a specific town, county, zip code or zone. Often, (but not always) these businesses are service related, such as hair salons, pest control services, sales professionals or brick and mortar stores. The term ‘local advertising’ refers to these small businesses looking to expand their current clients base.
OK, so where does a local business start?
To begin with, start with your current customers. They will be your best source of not only repeat business, but new business referrals also. Your cheapest, most effective local advertising method is to pick up the phone and start calling current customers. Often, just reminding them that you appreciate their business can prompt them to use your services again.
Here is are a few samples of what you can say:
“Hi this is Tom, I own ZYX Pest Control. I’m just calling to say thank you for using my company in March. Please let me know if there is anything else that I can do for you or anyone else that you know here in town.”
“This is Suzie from ABC Hair Salon. I am just calling to say thanks for using us, and I want you to know that we hope to see you soon!”
“I am Bob from Bob’s Steak House. I hope you enjoyed your meal last time you where here and I’m calling to invite you back for T-Bone Friday’s all summer. See ya soon!”
The point of the phone call really is just to remind them that they are important to you. As you can see, you don’t need a special sale or coupon when you use these scripts, just a simple thank you is fine. A simple phone call like the one above can REALLY make you stand out from the competition and increase your business. Plus, all it takes is a phone and some of your time pretty inexpensive when you consider some of the other advertising ideas out there!
Just as a small side note to the above idea, I don’t recommend letting employees make these phone calls unless you have a super exceptional employee that is dedicated to your business! People are good at picking out bad attitudes and an insincere phone call can really backfire!
OK, so that is the cheapest advertising idea that I can think of that will actually work, so I hope you give it a shot! Best wishes for your business!
