5 free (or almost free...) ways to promote your business

Try these tips to jump start your retail marketing. 

Always accept competitor coupons. How often has someone wandered into your store and produced a coupon from a competitor? Rather than explaining he's come to the wrong place, let him know he's in the right place by eagerly accepting it. This allows you to introduce your services to a new customer while taking away his reason to visit your competitor. You show him you’re a merchant who is genuinely interested in earning new business. Be sure to hand him some of your coupons and business cards, and remind him to return.

Wear your nametag everywhere. Like most business owners, you probably spend time away from your shop: getting that much-needed cup of morning coffee, buying office supplies and depositing funds at your bank. When you're out, let your nametag be a free ad for your business. Your nametag also shows fellow business owners you patronize them…and invites them to patronize you.

Give everyone business cards. Remember how good it felt to get your first business cards? You couldn't wait to give one to everyone you knew. Take advantage of this feeling by giving all your employees--even part-timers--personalized business cards. Encourage them to hand them to friends, family and other merchants. You’ll show employees they're part of the team and gain another inexpensive way to promote your business.

Ask customers how they heard of you. Too often business owners have no real idea whether promotions have been effective. To help you know what’s working, always ask how customers heard of your business. Keep a tally sheet at every register, by the telephones -- wherever employees talk to customers, and make sure employees ask each customer. Use the results to guide your advertising decisions.

Conduct casual surveys often. Asking customers for feedback tells them they’re important and their opinions are valued. An easy way to do this is to create a simple three to five question "survey of the month." Ask for input on business hours, product offerings, new services, etc. If you have an e-mail or standard mailing list of customers, send the survey and ask them to drop it the next time they visit (a great way to increase traffic). Enter each person’s name into a monthly drawing for free services or a small gift. Then calculate the results monthly and publish them in your store. And, when you implement a suggestion, be sure to let all your customers know their ideas helped improve the way you do business.

With a little thought and effort, it's easy to extend your advertising dollars. Start with these tips and get your business off to a quick start.