Today is all about promoting your business for FREE! Yes, I said FREE. In our direct sales business we usually put little or no money aside for promotion and marketing. Most of us are a party plan business so that is where our business comes from, right? What happens when the well of customers/ hostesses starts to run dry? What do you do? Where do you go?
Social Media. Isn’t this everyone’s first stop – Facebook, pinterest, instagram and the list goes on. We have seen the pleas for orders, recruits and parties. This is a GREAT platform if you are share what you have to offer instead of being the pushy sales person.
Get involved in community groups and associations. The best way to meet new people is to get involved in our community, in a parents group if you have kids or attend a local fundraising event. Just son’t be “that gal” that’s always talking about her business – let the conversations come naturally.
Use constant branding. Make sure that everything you do for your business is promoting your brand – the more consistent you are, the better chance that people will notice. Carry or wear your products, wear company logos or quotes that start conversations.
Generate more referrals. Get in touch with past clients and offer them an incentive to send you referrals – maybe a cut of the sale, or a discount on future work. Include referral forms in your hostess packets and give you hostess a gift for getting you new contacts.
Network online. Get out there and make yourself known! Comment on other peoples’ blogs and articles, or write guest posts for other sites. I also use “Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!” when I end a posting. It reminds people that I am a Thirty One consultant without selling them something.
Cross promote. Contact other brands that share your demographic and brainstorm some cross promotions that will benefit both of you. This is part of the reason that I have a Saturday Business Spotlight in my blog. The businesses that I blog about share the blog and as a result I gain new contacts and customers.
Distribute regular press releases. Press releases are still a good way to get information out to the public. Make sure yours are interesting and informative or they’ll get lost in the crowd.
Run sweepstakes or giveaways. A giveaway is an awesome way to get people excited about your products. Chances are, some of the people who didn’t win will still buy something from you, especially if the prize was something you sell!
Donate products to a charity event. Ok, this one isn’t completely free (you have to pay for the products) but it does give you more than one benefit. Not only are you getting your company name out there for people to see, but you’re also giving back to your community. I always include a gift certificate (which is FREE until redeemed) with every basket. This encourages the winner to shop more and maybe even have a party.
Offer a free class or seminar. Everyone loves free stuff, so use that as a hook to get people to visit your site. A free seminar will give users some great tips or information, but probably leave at least a few of them wanting more. Share tips that utilize your products without being the “pushy sales person”.
Send thank you notes. This is my favorite and gets such great response from my customers. Showing gratitude will make the likelihood of getting return customers much higher. If you have time, a handwritten thank you card will be more beneficial than a form letter.
Out and About bags for kids and adults. These are the treat bags filled with goodies. For kids, I include a coloring sheet with my contact information on it along with stickers and 4 crayons. For adults, a bookmark and a few pieces of candy. All of the treat bags include a mini catalog, a business card and a discount offer. A great conversation starter or to quiet a crying child. Not totally free but I get things at the dollar store and use them in multiple bags.
What are some of ways you get free promotion? Let us know in the comments section below.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 