In this article, we will discuss some methods and techniques that a new entrepreneur can use to start marketing and advertising their business. Of course, this information is not intended solely for startups, anyone can use it, but the article will focus primarily on a startup.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this topic, let’s take a brief moment to define exactly what advertising and marketing are. On the one hand, advertising is marketing, but marketing is not advertising. This may seem a bit strange, but let’s explore it further. For advertising, it’s simple, advertising is a direct form of marketing with a very simple purpose, to get people to walk in the door, get the phone to ring, or click through to your website. Where the line gets blurred is when we talk about marketing. Marketing is a much more ethereal concept. But since this is not the main topic of this article, let’s say in summary that marketing is perception management. In other words, trying to influence what people think of you and therefore how they feel about using your services or buying your product.

For example, the friendliness of your waiters, or the cleanliness of your office, or the care you put into the landscaping of your hotel, all of these things are marketing. And they are often the most overlooked, because most people think of marketing only as advertising.

With this in mind, let’s get down to serious business discussing the topic of this article, how you can advertise and market your new business. Well, as mentioned in the last paragraph, let’s start with the free stuff. What should be the simple material, but often is not. And this is the perception you are giving about yourself and your company. Sit down and make a list of all the things you can change, if necessary, about your company now. Things that do not cost you more money or much time. For example, the cleanliness and atmosphere of your office or facility, if you have one. Spruce it up, put in some plants, invest in a couple of plug-in air fresheners, and do what you can for the outward appearance, the “curve appeal” if you will. Focus on your staff, if they are well groomed, well dressed according to their customers, and if they are outgoing and personable. Smiling and friendly employees, including you, go a long way toward closing sales. Make sure you and your people respond quickly to calls, emails, and the like. Keep in mind that the number one need of all people is to feel important, so if you can project that to your clients, who are important to you, you will almost have guaranteed success.

Now, before moving on to another tip, let’s clarify that this article is not meant to be an in-depth exploration of this topic. That would really take a book. This is just meant to give you some ideas and get those creative juices flowing.

The next thing to think about, and preferably before you’ve created any print, signage, or website, is consistency. To put it another way, your business cards should look like your signs, they should look like your flyer, they should look like your website, they should look like the side of your trucks. This is a key component of the brand. And building a strong brand that people identify with quality and also with you is very important. So no matter what you do graphically, make sure everything has a nice smooth look.

Now, an important area to focus on that is relatively inexpensive, even with a complex application, is your website. Whether you are selling products online or just want to showcase your business, a quality website presence is an absolute must these days. One of the big reasons is that now, more than 97% of people research new products and services online. Even direct referrals will want to see you on the web, whether it’s on their computers or their handheld devices. But just as important, if not more so, than this is that the Internet offers a wealth of marketing opportunities that can expose you to new customers like never before. With the use of search engine optimization, blogging, social media, video marketing, article marketing, and link building, just to name a few methods, your website can be placed in front of a large number of targeted eyes at a fraction of the cost. . of more traditional marketing and advertising methods.

For advertising, this is a bit more difficult to pin down. Different businesses have different techniques that work for them. What works for a restaurant may not work for a lawn care company. What is eye-catching for a furniture store may not be as effective for a bar. What you need to do is do some research on your particular type of business and see what works for others like you. Plus, if you know your target audience, you can come up with some cost-effective methods to reach them directly, whether it’s through TV or radio ads, direct mail, street marketing, shows, billboards, etc.

Keep in mind AIDA’s old marketing credo, Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. This is what any advertising and/or marketing campaign should be built on. So no matter what you do, plan ahead with these four steps.

Now, not to be too vague, although it’s hard not to be with such a broad and diverse topic, here are a couple of starting points. First, modify the elements of your company that you can control without spending money. Then create a series of visual pieces, a business card for yourself and anyone else who might come into contact with customers, a brochure, a flyer, vehicle wraps, and of course a quality logo. Put up a good website. It’s not a cheap do-it-yourself thing, but a real app, professionally created and you tie all your other stuff to it. Promote that site as much as possible, both online and offline. Invest in some internet marketing, both pay-per-click and someone who will do the organic work of promoting you. You can get a lot on a small budget here.

Don’t be afraid to consult a professional. A good advertising and marketing company can help you with all these things and other more expensive methods, such as creating videos, shooting your TV commercials, writing and producing your radio ads, designing mailing strategies and other campaigns, and more. Promoting your business is a lot like being lost in a dense forest, and sometimes having a guide who knows the way can be of great benefit and is often the best use of your marketing budget.