Promote, promote, promote

In growing a business into a success you must promote. There can be no growth without proper promotion. I am not talking about high dollar expense. This is simply spreading the word. Being a WAHM you have to work harder in this area since you do not have the exposure of a storefront.

I can't say it enough showing a link is not enough. If this is all you are willing to do you need to be prepared for the harsh reality your business will fail. You have to do more.

Promotion is beyond advertising. Promotion is getting your name out there and should be included in your marketing plan. Promotion can happen at anytime, anywhere.

Simple ways to promote:

• Wear a t-shirt with the company name. This can be a shirt made available for purchase through the company or a shirt you have purchased and made for you. Avoid DIY projects unless you provide quality. A nice t-shirt or polo with the name embroidered works nicely and inexpensive.
  
• Carry a photo purse. I am referring to the type with clear vinyl pockets where you can place pictures. I suggest postcards and more than 1 copy per pocket. This is an easy access pocket to reach for when you come in contact with a potential customer.
• Form a team to raise funds for a cause. Use your company name as the team name. This is a great way to promote while also supporting a great cause.
• Give away pens with your business name, website, or contact information. Preferably a pen with black ink. Give to receptionist, waitress, cashiers,teachers, parents, neighbors, family, friends, and anyone else you come in contact with who can and will use a pen.
• Leave a business card with the tip after a meal.
• Exchange fillers with groups such as the Mom Pack (TM). These are placed in one package and given out to potential customers. Click here to learn more about filler packs.
  
• Join local mom groups. These are a great way to exchange information.
• Attend small business conferences in your area. These are usually put on by your local SBA or city. You can network with others and gain valuable information in contacts you make.
• Participate in local parades. Use your own or borrow a truck, decorate, and have volunteers walk along side and pass out candy with flyers. Not only these are fun but these are simple and a great way to bring notice to you and your business.
• Form a welcome committee in your neighborhood for new families. Offer a pack of information about the city, fun activities, coupons, and home party info.
• Volunteer. You and your team members can volunteer in the community in such ways as picking up trash (check with your city first), hold a can drive for the local food shelter, pet adoption organizations, woman's shelter, children's hospital, Ronald McDonald House. Getting out there and helping the community can bring notice to your business.
• Sponsor a classroom newsletter. Many teachers pay for this out of pocket and could use the help funding these.
• Athletic sponsorship. This may sound expensive but it can be very affordable. Sponsor school teams, private teams, motocross, car racing, BMX racing, rodeos. You can sponsor a single event, advertise in the program, or billboard advertising. Also check to see if they have websites that offer advertising. Even if your area is mainly men's sports you have to remember women are in those stands cheering the men on and most likely to see your ads.
  

Get away from the normal and think outside the box. Don't do what everyone else is. People become desensitized and ignore the norm. They notice the unusual and unique.



Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Increase Blog Traffic

Whether you are blogging to make money, personal, or to bring about awareness, you need readers. To gain a large following takes time and work. Get the ball rolling and bring in readers.

Here are a few simple ways to increase blog traffic.

1. Invite others to view and comment. This seems like a given but many forget to do so. Posting a new blog will not automatically generate traffic. If nobody knows your blog exists, nobody will visit.

2. Visit other blogs and comment. Visit blogs that interest you. Comment on blog postings. Others who visit your favorite blogs generally click on profiles and follow those that interest them. Open yourself up by drawing interest to yourself and getting involved.

3. Follow other blogs. Following other blogs allows you to get updates. This way you are notified of the newest posts. Most whom you follow will return the favor and follow you. This allows anyone visiting various pages and profiles will see your link and again visit and follow. Add a follow option on your blog to make it easier. It's hard to follow then they can't remember what your blog is and not everyone bookmarks pages.

4. Update your social network status with new blog posts and link. Don't just post you have a new blog post. You must include a link. This is the easiest way to update others about your blog. Use social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and the growing Ning sites. Every new blog, post a direct link to the post with your blog title.

5. Place your blog URL in your email signature. Every person who receives an email from you will see your link. Approximately 50% of email receivers will click on links in your signature. If you are willing to change it with each new blog or weekly with the basic topics of the week.

6. Join blogging communities. Their are various blog groups all over the Internet. There are dedicated groups on Cafemom and Facebook. Also check out Yahoo! groups, message boards, and websites dedicated to bloggers. There is more out there than your probably thought. Share and connect with your fellow blogger. A couple to try are themomblogs.com and blogcatalog.

7. The most important of all these is keep your blog up to date. If you only update your blog monthly, chances are you efforts to draw traffic will be worthless. Nobody wants to keep checking a blog that is not updated. This is especially important when you plan to make money blogging.

8. Use a ping service such as pingomatic.com. With each new blog, ping the search engines with this site.

9. Have a quality banner made and list on top 100 lists. People look at this and not just add. You can and will get traffic.

These are just a few of the basics and not a complete list. This list gets your started in bringing people to your blog. There are many factors that keep them there and keep them coming back. For more detailed information about blogging, visit our previous blog Blogging For Success.

Happy blogging!

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com