Ten marketing tips to help you grow your business                                                                             

1. Target Customers - identify which customers you need to target, what makes them similar, what do they do, where do they live and why would they be interested in what I have to offer

2. Contact Strategy - consider how you are going to contact these customers, what are you going to say, when is it best to contact them and how frequently

3. Testimonials - satisfied customers telling prospective customers about how good you are is very powerful.  Ask your customers for a testimonial, this could be a simple quote or a more detailed breakdown of their views - in some instances it might be quicker to draft something out and ask them if they are happy for you to use it

4. The Power of Referrals - previous customers can be a good source of referral for you - ask them if they know of other people who might be interested in your services

5. Business Networking Clubs - these can be found locally within your area, the one I recommend is BNI (Business Network International) - go to their website through this link and you will find a club local to you.  The Chamber of Commerce is also a good starting point

6. Mystery Shopping - you need to start asking the questions and finding some answers, who are my competitors, what do they do, who are their customers, can I adapt any of their good ideas

7. Sales Material - you will need some marketing materials to send out or hand to prospective clients - the least you will need is a simple flyer and at most a brochure, but definitely a well designed business card

8. Regular Contract - communicate with your previous and potential customers on a regular basis, keep your business 'top of mind' - make sure you give them another reason why they should contact you

9. Test & Learn - try new things and learn what works and what doesn't work - cut out whatever activity is less effective

10. With Thanks - make sure you thank each customer for work and if budgets allow leave them with a memento to remind them of your company

Hopefully these marketing tips have given you a flavour for the sort of areas you should be looking at if you want to grow your business.  To discuss any of these in more detail or if you feel you need some help in tackling these areas, then drop me an e-mail at simon@parallelmarketing.co.uk or call Simon on              07905 791 340.