The holidays are here. Depending on what type of business you are in, that statement made you feel extremely happy and busy, or exhausted and desperate.
Marketing your business during the fourth quarter can be stressful and confusing. Is it worth it to spend time and money on advertising or public relations this time of year? Or should you hunker down for the winter and come out with the groundhogs in the spring? Here are a few tips for developing a marketing strategy at the end of the year for your business.
Consumer businesses typically do their best this time of year. For many companies, the fourth quarter is the only profitable part of the entire calendar. Many have been planning for the holidays since August. They already have their seasonal ads and e-mails ready to go, banners made and gift baskets stuffed. But wait, that isn't you? Well, don't worry, there are still some last minute tactics that can help.
First, use your circle of influence. Friends love to see other friends be successful, especially during the holidays. Next, use your business cards as advertisements. Handwrite an offer on your cards and hand them out at parties. Of course, there is always the post-holiday sale. Everyone likes a bargain.
Some business to business companies believe if they're not selling turkeys, TVs or iPhones between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is no reason to bother advertising. However, this does not mean to stop marketing. This time of year can be successfully used as a strategic planning and staging period for next year. I have found over the years that there are some clients who need to spend their budgets before the year ends. Some even book ahead for next year just so they don't risk losing their funds. Holiday calls are a great way to reach out to old clients and new prospects to set appointments for January. You may use this tactic to survey your market and find out what customers want to focus on during the next year.
Online business is somewhat unique as cyberspace seems to have created its own calendar and it is always a selling season somewhere. Whatever you do, do not wait until next month!
For more information, call 760 Media at (760) 605-8133 or visit www.760media.com.
Marketing your business during the fourth quarter can be stressful and confusing. Is it worth it to spend time and money on advertising or public relations this time of year? Or should you hunker down for the winter and come out with the groundhogs in the spring? Here are a few tips for developing a marketing strategy at the end of the year for your business.
Consumer businesses typically do their best this time of year. For many companies, the fourth quarter is the only profitable part of the entire calendar. Many have been planning for the holidays since August. They already have their seasonal ads and e-mails ready to go, banners made and gift baskets stuffed. But wait, that isn't you? Well, don't worry, there are still some last minute tactics that can help.
First, use your circle of influence. Friends love to see other friends be successful, especially during the holidays. Next, use your business cards as advertisements. Handwrite an offer on your cards and hand them out at parties. Of course, there is always the post-holiday sale. Everyone likes a bargain.
Some business to business companies believe if they're not selling turkeys, TVs or iPhones between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is no reason to bother advertising. However, this does not mean to stop marketing. This time of year can be successfully used as a strategic planning and staging period for next year. I have found over the years that there are some clients who need to spend their budgets before the year ends. Some even book ahead for next year just so they don't risk losing their funds. Holiday calls are a great way to reach out to old clients and new prospects to set appointments for January. You may use this tactic to survey your market and find out what customers want to focus on during the next year.
Online business is somewhat unique as cyberspace seems to have created its own calendar and it is always a selling season somewhere. Whatever you do, do not wait until next month!
For more information, call 760 Media at (760) 605-8133 or visit www.760media.com.