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Some Useful Marketing Tips
Since the new website went line in August 2008, many of you have updated your pages, photos and details.
You really can't do this enough, and if you've never updated your business profile DO IT TODAY! With much higher visitors numbers, you have an abundance of people who want to give you their business.

Give them all the reasons you can.

We can help you improve your profile page!

We will shortly be offering very competitive photographic services (using professional SLR camera, tripods, and wide angle lenses etc.).

The photos will go on your profile page, and you'll be able to use them wherever else you like. They will belong to you completely, and we're confident you'll be delighted with the results.

We will also be offering full copy-writing/business review services for all businesses on Dartmouth Directory (in association with By the Dart magazine).

Site banners will soon be available (in all categories) at very reasonable prices.

How can you add more value to your business? Some marketing tips.

As you probably know, we at Dartmouth Directory (Jamie and Mike) are passionate about good marketing. We can't stop talking about it, even after our meetings when we're in the pub! (we admit to being stats anoraks too, but our individual businesses are more successful for it).
Every single business (including yours) is sitting on a goldmine. And it's well worth asking the following questions:
  • How often do you communicate with your existing/repeat customers? When did you last email or call them?
  • How many times do you communicate to potential customers before you give up?
  • Do you test and measure the return on your advertising and marketing efforts?
  • Are you certain that all of your advertising pays for itself?
  • Do you try new marketing methods every month?
  • Does your advertising efforts describe the "features" of your business, but not the "benefits"?
  • Do you sell the "value" (and thus the "benefits") of your business or product, or do you just focus on price?
  • Can you collect testimonials (via a guestbook etc), and put the comments on your profile page? This tip is really working for those that do!
When most of us start out in business, we assume that a great product or service will simply sell itself. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Even with an outstanding offering, your success relies on your ability to communicate. It's all about "relationships", the "benefits", and your "return on advertising".
Existing customers are easier to sell to than new ones. Far easier! They know what to expect, know it works etc... but need to be led. Lead them. Don't wait for them to make the first move.
If you don't know the value and benefits of your business, now is the time to think about them seriously. Put yourself in the position of the customer. What makes them come to you? Whats the common theme, and how can you capitalise on it?
Does all of your advertising work? If you spend £100 and get back £200 in return, wouldn't you do that forever?

Test new ideas, and measure results. If you don't get back what you put in, scrap it and try something else (or if the risk is low, change it slightly and try again).
In summary - Keep good relationships going. Don't let the line go slack. Know your benefits. Test new marketing ideas. Measure the results.
It's not hard, and it's what big businesses have done for years. It works for them, and it will work for you.
 
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