Sounds like a pretty obvious thing to do, but it seems that when it comes to generating sales, companies seem intent on finding new customers rather than keeping in touch with the ones they already have!
The people who have bought your product, or used your service may well buy from you again - they might even spread the word - if only they remembered you!
I know this is yet another task to add to your ever expanding list of things to do, but it's really good for business to remind customers you still exist!
You might do this by sending a simple 'catch-up' email - put a recurring note on your calendar tool to remind you and remember to include a link to your LinkedIn profile or Twitter feed.
You could send them a newsletter - be careful not to just use this as a selling tool though! The whole point of sending out a newsletter is to be friendly and convey interesting content, something they will be interested in - perhaps something connected with your business and theirs - latest industry news, hints and tips, competitions, blogs & forum links etc.
You could invite them to be your guest at a networking event or just meet for a quick coffee. Whatever you decide to do, it needs to be on a regular bases - keeps you top of mind when they need a company like yours.
Have you called any existing customers today?
Are TV advertisers switching to Social Media platforms to promote their products?
I was reminded over the weekend of my early career in marketing, when I was part of the lucrative agency world of advertising.
Channel 4 re-ran their Top 100 greatest TV ads show, featuring the winners of a poll conducted with Channel 4 viewers and Sunday Times readers. It was first aired in 2000 and Saturday night’s programme bolted on a selection of ‘The greatest ads of the 21st Century” in an attempt to bring it up to date.
Apparently, according to Channel 4, by the age of 35, the average person has seen 150,000 TV commercials – about 75,000 minutes (or two months of your life), just watching TV commercials! I fear that this figure might have diminished somewhat, in this age of internet and multi-channel media.
TV advertising is still very costly and remains one of the more expensive advertising platforms, while social media advertising could potentially be free or at least more affordable. Could social media be deemed as more effective than TV, as people spend more and more time online and seem to find social media content far more engaging? Or, do consumers think that brands appearing on TV are more credible – if they can afford to advertise on TV they must be pretty confident their products are good?
I think it’s fair to say that it must come down to content and targeting. I mean, not everyone is online, are they? Some housewives, young children and some of the older generation don’t use the Internet as often as they watch TV, so brands targeting them are likely to be more effective on the box.
But, with the threat of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin, having a more targeted approach to advertising and more accurate performance measurement, can TV continue to compete?
By the way, for those who don’t remember, the No 1 ‘greatest TV ad’ according to the poll, was the Guinness ‘Horses & Surfers’ commercial, which cost a small fortune and took London agency Abbot Mead Vickers nine days in Hawaii to make – nice work if you can get it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcdDg30VBgo
Channel 4 re-ran their Top 100 greatest TV ads show, featuring the winners of a poll conducted with Channel 4 viewers and Sunday Times readers. It was first aired in 2000 and Saturday night’s programme bolted on a selection of ‘The greatest ads of the 21st Century” in an attempt to bring it up to date.
Apparently, according to Channel 4, by the age of 35, the average person has seen 150,000 TV commercials – about 75,000 minutes (or two months of your life), just watching TV commercials! I fear that this figure might have diminished somewhat, in this age of internet and multi-channel media.
TV advertising is still very costly and remains one of the more expensive advertising platforms, while social media advertising could potentially be free or at least more affordable. Could social media be deemed as more effective than TV, as people spend more and more time online and seem to find social media content far more engaging? Or, do consumers think that brands appearing on TV are more credible – if they can afford to advertise on TV they must be pretty confident their products are good?
I think it’s fair to say that it must come down to content and targeting. I mean, not everyone is online, are they? Some housewives, young children and some of the older generation don’t use the Internet as often as they watch TV, so brands targeting them are likely to be more effective on the box.
But, with the threat of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin, having a more targeted approach to advertising and more accurate performance measurement, can TV continue to compete?
By the way, for those who don’t remember, the No 1 ‘greatest TV ad’ according to the poll, was the Guinness ‘Horses & Surfers’ commercial, which cost a small fortune and took London agency Abbot Mead Vickers nine days in Hawaii to make – nice work if you can get it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcdDg30VBgo
Using Print to get the right Marketing Mix
I’ve been working recently with a commercial printer, helping them to figure out how to keep their presses constantly busy during this period of recession and, whilst companies are tightening their financial belts, it seems they are turning more and more to e-marketing and social media to create awareness and promote sales.
It has to be said, that despite the advance in technology and the growth in all things web, printed collateral still has it’s place in your promotional planning, and depending on the market you operate within, some industries rely on printed words and images more than others.
Look at the retail sector, they still rely on this tangible form of marketing to promote their products but manage to balance this with advertising across electronic channels such as email, sponsored links, banner adverts, social networks and so on.
Getting the right marketing mix is critical. Whilst social networking and online channels are a hot topic at the moment, traditional print and mail channels are still driving people to make a web purchase. A digital presence on its own is still not enough to encourage sales.
Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than flicking through a brochure or retail catalogue with your feet up and a cup of tea, when you’re planning your next online shopping trip!
It has to be said, that despite the advance in technology and the growth in all things web, printed collateral still has it’s place in your promotional planning, and depending on the market you operate within, some industries rely on printed words and images more than others.
Look at the retail sector, they still rely on this tangible form of marketing to promote their products but manage to balance this with advertising across electronic channels such as email, sponsored links, banner adverts, social networks and so on.
Getting the right marketing mix is critical. Whilst social networking and online channels are a hot topic at the moment, traditional print and mail channels are still driving people to make a web purchase. A digital presence on its own is still not enough to encourage sales.
Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than flicking through a brochure or retail catalogue with your feet up and a cup of tea, when you’re planning your next online shopping trip!
Natural beauty - a source of inspiration
With the gloom and doom of global warming threatening our landscape, it was a pleasure to get out over the weekend and view the spectacular display of Autumn colour at Sheffield Park Garden
Run by the National Trust, this magnificent landscaped garden provides a welcome escape from the pressures of running a business! Feeling inspired by the vibrant colours and despite the gloomy weather over the weekend, I start the week with a renewed vigour and ready to tackle the challenges that lay ahead!
What inspires you to get the day started?
What inspires you to get the day started?
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