If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it -- Not always true ….

The yellow page ad, catalogs, direct mail (not integrating with the Internet), and telemarketing are  marketing ideas that do not work any longer. Sometimes, we have to look at different methods to capture the customer’s attention. Customers are now saavy and want a two-way communication between you and them, quickly accessing you to determine whether you meet their needs. Creating and cultivating relationships using interactivity gives the consumer information and feel in control when making a decision to use your services.

Direct mail and web-based campaigns remind past customers and welcome new ones of your business developments. Postcards drive interested prospective clients to your website with a direct message. They deliver targeted information to invite the customer to visit your site. Loyalty marketing that delivers these message based on the purchasing habits of your target audience.

Updating your website by changing its look or adding a new component to your website allowing interaction from a prospective client is another venue in your marketing direction. Adding a form to capture interested visitors and then sending out a free newsletter, dvd, coupon or discount is another way to determine your audience.

Email marketing is still extremely popular but more detailed information from your target audience will push messages to the customers that are more apt to buy. Web analytic tools have become more powerful and can track marketing campaigns. Social media is a big boom started in 2009 and is now used to seamlessly integrate with email campaigns.

Blogging is another popular way to reach your client by offering advice, information, and updates. Somewhat like a newsletter produced before, this is a quick Internet message without the printing costs. A blog also allows interactivity from visitors and there are many favorite blogs in every industry that have many followers.

Companies that are paying attention to their marketing now will beat the competition that hasn’t when things start to pick up. Now is the time to update your website, implement new ideas on your website or brochure, or get a marketing campaign together. By the time you do this, you will find the market picking up and you, who have already started your marketing strong, will be way ahead of the pack.

Catch up on how to use social networking to market your business -- it's free and your audience is using it exclusively -- --next blog.

Are you Ready, Get Set, Go ........... NOW!

Economic soothsayers are saying that the recession is making a slow recovery. I think this is true by what I am seeing. Business is wary, making slow decisions, spending only when they absolutely have to. Housing sales are climbing, but at very slow rate and the unemployment rate is slowly falling. However, watch for some positive signs in the Fall. Healthcare companies have to start to implement reforms in September. As our two parties are wrestling back and forth for power, the November elections may cause a change in the House. Companies are certainly in a position to invest. The non-financial corporate sector is running a big surplus (ie, it is saving more than it is investing). If we see some business spending, with a combination of other factors, you may start to see an optimistic movement in our economic system.

Are you ready?

Reaching out to customers are the businesses that will have an edge when this recession softens. By capturing new clients, these businesses will need more staff to fulfill the orders, and will experience growth ahead of businesses that are not marketing now at all.

How will you attract new business? My next blog will give you some ideas.