Ways to promote & market your company
Some creative and affordable ways to promote your business. The main reason to focus time and money on promoting your company is to build more customer awareness and increase your client list.

Research
It is very important to do some research before spending any money. Doing research has become so easy and fast with the internet being available to everyone. Go online and check out what your competition is doing and what you may want to do, or use, for your own marketing campaign. Looking at your company from a client's standpoint will also help you decide how to approach your marketing methods and approach.

Budget
Your budget on doing any marketing/promotion really depends on what type of business you are in. Set your budget wisely making sure to be realistic and to stick with it. Your budget should contain your entire marketing costs and making sure that you allow for extra-unexpected costs, which usually pop up along the way.

Some Ideas
To help you start thinking about your company's self-promotion, here are a few different ways to get your company noticed:

Your Stationary
Take a look at your current company’s business card and make sure that it is complete and professional. Your business card is probably the easiest way to promote your business, as it is usually the first thing that people see about your business. Make sure to list your services/products either on the front (if space allows) or on the back of your cards. Introducing colour into your stationary also makes it standout "from the rest of the crowd".

Giveaways
There are many neat and useful items available to use as giveaways: calendars, pens, notepads, mugs, shirts… all with your company's logo and information printed on them. Depending on your what type of company yours is and also on your budget, the giveaways can be a great way to get your company noticed.

Signage
If your company has a store-front location, your signage can attract customers who may not know anything about your company or what you do/sell. Be sure to list your telephone number and web site address right on your signs. This is a great idea allowing people who are driving by after hours to check out your store online or call you back during business hours! If you don't have a store front or place to have a sign, consider putting some sort of signage or lettering on your vehicle. This can be treated as a moving billboard, advertising your company wherever you go - and it is very effective.

Trade Shows
Consider having your own booth at a local trade show. There are many different types of shows depending on your company's specialty. Attending these shows allows you to make new contacts and answer questions people may have. As well you will be building awareness that your company exists. Costs of trade shows vary depending were they are being held, what they are and as well the extra costs (tables, carpet…).

Web Sites
If your business doesn't already have a web site… what are you waiting for? The online advertising/marketing of your company has been a proven method of attracting a large number of clients from many different areas. Consider putting together a simple web site and expanding on it as time goes by. This allows you to see quite quickly what works and what doesn't. Getting your web site listed on all the main search engines will make it easy for people to find your company's site and contact you.

Direct Mail
Junk mail can be another effective method to getting your company noticed. It is important to put together an effective and well-written printed piece, which will be mailed out to a target area or location. The mailing costs can depend on how many things are being mailed out and your target area. Talk to Canada Post about direct mail prices and they will also give you more information about weight, sizing…

Word of Mouth/Referrals
This not only is one of the best ways to attract new clients it probably is also the one that costs the least amount of money! Asking clients for letters of reference can be a great way to expand great relations and build new ones. Use these references in your marketing material and on your web site. It is always reassuring for people to see great references and client testimonials. Sometimes just mentioning to your clients that you are looking for new customers can help you make new contacts and get new leads.

Networking
Discussing your business among groups of people can help you get your company known. The networking method can help you pass out your business cards and make new contacts. Joining your local Chamber of Commerce (Alliston, Barrie, Tottenham…) can be an easy way to get involved in many different networking groups and get-togethers. There are many other smaller networking groups and associations that are also mainly aimed at getting groups of business owners together and allowing you to introduce your company to a new crowd of people.

There are many other ways to promote your company. Self promotion isn't the easiest task for most companies. It involves looking at your company from different ways to see how your clients or future clients are perceiving it. Take your time to work out a plan to see what kind of marketing will work for your type of business - then make sure your execution goes well. Good luck and happy marketing!

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