Marketing tools ideas and statistics?

Hi there



I need new ideas to promote my business (floral design) and reach more customers. I have to be very carefull investing my money so I would like to ask you :

- What kind of promotion you think is more efficient?

- What are the return rates for post cards campaings? Any other tactics would respond better (email blast, etc)? I mean guerilla marketing BUT do you think advertising in a newspaper for a month would work?

- Cold calls?? Would you use that?

I really appreciate your help! Thanks
Marketing tools ideas and statistics?
Here's some thoughts (not in any particular order).



Whatever marketing materials you decide on, go to http://www.vistaprint.com/specialfree and you can get free (small quantities 25-250 depending on product) magnet calendars, postcards, flyers, brochures, business cards, etc. That way you can try them out and see if you like them once you receive. They have lots of templates for floral designers and look v. professional. I'm a writer/marketing communications person and have used VistaPrint for over 5 years. I just can't say enough nice things about them.



Giving something away for free is always a better draw than a percentage off. Maybe buy an arrangement and get the vase for free - you get the idea.



Postcard mailings will maybe get you 1-2% response so you would have to send a lot out to make it worth your while. Postcards to hand out might work better than doing a huge mailing.



So many people use email blasts that I don't really know how efficient they are. And since you're a new business, it may just go right to the SPAM folder.



I think the best thing to do would be to talk to people whose customers would be buying flowers. Wedding planners, event planners, hotels, card/Hallmark stores, photographers - you name it. If you advertise, advertise in a publication where people will likely be buying flowers - such as a Bride Guide for your area.



Go to one of those trade shows just for brides and rent a table/booth (or share a booth with someone).



Maybe do an ad in your local Entertainment Book - I believe the ad is no cost to you.



Hope this helps and good luck!
Reply:The bottom line is, whatever you choose, you need to be able to track the results and follow up with every potential lead automatically.



The problem so many people run into when managing small businesses is that they don't have the time or resources to do EVERYTHING. Its impossible. You need to use a solution that is automated, trackable, and simple to use.



There are solutions out there that do this, but the majority are not geared towards true small businesses. They are generally very expensive and don't do what a small business needs. These are: salesforce.com, Goldmine, ACT!, NetSuite, etc.



What I Recommend is InfusionCRM. Created by Infusion Software http://www.infusionsoft.com?ls=IM-YahooG... , this software is design for small business. It will help you generate new leads, track them, follow up, etc. all Automatically. It also integrates all of your Marketing Efforts, Sales Efforts, Billing, Accouting, Contact Management, all into one system.



See a tour here: http://www.infusionsoft.com/tour?ls=IM-Y...
Reply:The response rate for direct mail can vary considerably depending on how you do it.



Postcards do have the highest readership and are the most cost effective to produce.



Rather than concentrate on response rate...I'd concentrate on how much money each response is worth, and what you can do to up sell and keep that customer for a lifetime.



If I could offer one key ingredient to using direct mail in your scenario , it would be to focus on your existing customers first to generate a little bigger marketing budget. Your customers already have 100% interest in your product and have 100% buying history. So...be inventive in ways to recycle them through your door at shorter intervals....give them reasons to need you right now.



You stand a better chance for higher response with your customers while you are learning the ropes of direct mail.



There are some great tips worth observing over on my personal site



www.doranpeck.com



if its actual printing you need, Vista Print is a pretty good balance of quality / pricing. ... but I'd welcome an opportunity to give you a lower bid on a higher quality product :)





Good Luck