Saving money while still marketing to attract new clients

Managing the cash flow for your business these days is tough, and spending any money at all on marketing can be a tough decision.  Yet without new and return clients... that cash in-flow won't happen, so it is critical to continue to market to your target audience.  Smart spa marketers do not simply increase their marketing spend in to bring clients in.  By following an annual marketing plan, they know not to throw money into advertising when it is not part of their master plan.  

However, having a well-thought out marketing plan is just one strategy in staying smart about marketing spend. Saving money by cutting costs is also very important. I recently read an article that had 78 ways to save money and several of them were related to marketing.  Here are my favorites with my comments.

1. Create an e-newsletter. It's much cheaper to market to previously acquired customers than creating new direct-marketing collateral. Smart Spa Marketing Tip (SSMT): E-newsletter providers like VerticalResponse and Constant Contact are easy to use and grow your e-mail list.
2. Use YouTube. SSMT: YouTube is a great free way for you to allow new clients a peek into your spa without visiting.  While the video should be of good sound and visual quality, it does not need to be TV news professional.  Using a digital camera, extra room lighting and a good microphone can produce a great tour of your spa. 
3. Place an ad on local television stations. If you're not into YouTube, or want to reach additional audiences, local shows are amazingly easy venue to access. Advertising rates for local TV stations are much more negotiable than what you'd expect. Some local TV shows will trade coupons or gift certificates for payment.  SSMT: If you go with this option be absolutely sure to get a copy of the ad or show with the rights to play or post on your website.  And reference "as seen on Channel 7" in all your marketing materials.
4. Start a blog. You can advertise, review your offerings and give free tips as often as you’d like without worrying about running up your budget. SSMT: Blogs are great for attracting online browsers, but if you do not enjoy writing or are not committed to regular postings this may not be the most effective method of marketing for you.
5. Get your clients to advertise for you.  Ask them to write a testimonial on your Web site or tell their colleagues about your products or services. SSMT: This really is one of the MOST powerful marketing tools you can use on your website and marketing materials. Don't be shy in asking your clients to tell others about you if they are pleased with your work -- they usually don't think about it unless you bring it up.

Read more money saving tips in the complete article:
>> 78 Ways for Your Small Business To Save Money in this Economy

Other related articles:

• The three worst things to put in your email newsletter
  
• Changing your marketing in a changing economy
  
• Does "cost effective advertising" really exist?
  
• Do you really need to advertise to bring in new business?

Comments

[Rachel Estelle CMT]

I think the power of sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc are incredable. They get the word out about your business to people who may not know about you.

Be careful when setting up pages for your business. Be sure your profile page is professional. Try to add clients to your Friend list rather than personal friends. Your page is a reflection of your business and your company so try to keep as many "bells and whistles" off if it as you can ie. songs, personal photo's, etc.
My facebook page, Rachel Estelle, is loaded with clients, information about my business, and photo's of my massage therapy practice and product line. You can even add me as a friend :-) I had no idea how many of my clients were on Facebook until I created a page for my business.