Marketing a business with the use of the Internet can be great for some, and not so great for others. Many factors come into play as the focus on generating ‘hits’ and ‘leads’ is tedious and time consuming and may even incur out of pocket expense; depending on what service you use to promote your business or website. What did people do before the Internet existed? How did we survive without the World Wide Web? Creating a presence on over the Internet may be one, good way to grow your business. Although; another great and inexpensive way to promote your business is to take a walk around your community and introduce yourself to local business owners and shop workers; and if so inclined, hand them your business card. While you may, or may not see immediate results, at the very least you are planting seeds.

Another way to market yourself in your community is to give people something to talk about or provide a unique attraction for patrons to enjoy while they visit your establishment. Thinking out-side the box when it comes to marketing is also a good skill to employ. One new restaurant owner found that his location and visibility was an issue and passersby would often think he was closed during business hours. After months of having employees pass out flyers, in parking lots and door to door, people would still approach his establishment, often open the front door, peer in and ask “are you open?” After months of hearing this he knew he had to do something. So, he exercised is creativity and asked an artist friend to place some attractive, lifelike, mannequins dinging at the tables in the window during business hours. The mannequins provided a visible sign that conveyed the message of ‘yes, we are open and people are currently enjoying the food here.’ Once inside the customers would see that there were mannequins in a restaurant and would have a good laugh. It generated a conversation and his restaurant became known for ‘the place to eat with the cool mannequins.’

Thinking outside the box and having the courage to do something unconventional when it comes to marketing often pays off. Some other ways business owners have used to generate interest is in way of creative signage or a positive, uplifting quote on a storefront that creates the message that ‘good, happy people work here.’ Appealing to the senses is a simple way to market your business and even retain good customers. Finding something simple in way of décor may also appeal to clientele and keep them stimulated if they have to wait to be helped. Providing coffee, tea or snacks also has great appeal.

Another way to create a calm environment is by having an attractive fish tank highly visible area in your waiting area. Remember to make your place of business a child-friendly place to visit as this is a great appeal to parents who often have to bring their children along. Providing crayons, coloring books, Highlights Magazines or even video games may also provide stimulation and a quieter environment. If customers have a positive and memorable experience while they visit your place of business is it a sure-fire way to retain future business and encourage them to refer others.

Reference: Marketing > What Women Want: Special Considerations in Marketing of Beauty Products & Services