10 Ways to Market your Small Business for Under $200

Earlier in the week WatchMeFranchise.com, a blog sponsored by the Roni Deutch Tax Center®, posted an entry on 10 ways to market your business for under $200. Check out some of the tips below.

1. Business Cards

Despite what many think, business cards are actually quite affordable. There are hundreds of sites online with all kinds of sales and discounts; just make sure to find one that lets you upload your company logo. Then give these cards out to everyone you meet. The person you give your card to might not need your services right now, but at least they will have your contact information in the future.

2. Mailers

Try creating mailers or a monthly newsletter to send out to your clients on a regular basis with special offers or news. You want to make sure you stay in touch with your clients so that they do not forget about your store. Also, by offering free information in a newsletter you can help establish trust with your clients.

3. Create a Referral Program

By creating a referral program you can basically put your customers to work for you! By offering a small discount to current clients you can generate dozens of new clients with almost no direct cost to you.

4. Newspaper Ads

Try taking an ad out in your local newspaper or magazine. This is a great way to reach out to local customer opportunities, and support your community at the same time. If your area newspaper is too expensive, then you could try a discount publication such as the Penny Saver. Even better, you could even reach out to your local paper and offer to write a new article on a subject related to your business.

5. Online Presence

Having an online presence these days is pretty much essential for a small business. If you do not already have your own website, or a page on a corporate site, then you should definitely consider creating one. It does not need to be a big budget production, just a simple page with a picture and some contact info. Remember, having a website means that you can put the address on your business cards, letterhead, etc.

6. Submit to Google Maps

Once you have your store location, you can submit your address to Google maps. You do not even have to have a website to do this, although we recommend you do. This will make it so that customers searching in your area will find your store when they check Google Maps.

7. Networking Events

Join your local chamber of commerce to mingle with other business owners and potential clients. Some networking groups or events have sign-up or admission fees, but if you bring enough business cards and work the crowd well, it will more than make up for it.

9 Hot Franchise Trends in 2009

WatchMeFranchise.com, a blog sponsored by Roni Deutch Tax Center™, recently posted an entry on 9 hot franchise trends to watch in the new year. Below is a quote from the entry, but you can read the full text by clicking here.

1. Woman-Focused Franchises

Franchises that focus on women and are run by women have grown a lot in popularity over the last year and are expended to continue to do so in 2009. These businesses can include anything from women’s health centers to women-targeted clothing stores.

2. Fun Food

Crazy food franchises have grown a lot trendier over the past year as well. By offering something different then the normal fast food like menu, these businesses can reach out to crowds that are tired of unhealthy, processed foods. Additionally, by letting consumers create their dishes, such as yogurt shops that let you create your own custom dessert, they can connect with customers of a more creative level.

3. Green Business

It is no surprise that green-thinking businesses made our list. Nowadays any business can be labeled “green” just by stating their cups are made of recycled materials or their food is organic. However, it is more than trendy, as green businesses often build very loyal customer bases that do not mind paying a “green” surcharge.

Continued at WatchMeFranchise.com…

Check Out Watch Me Franchise!

Ever wondered what it would be like to open your own franchise business? Well check out the new Watch Me Franchise blog put together with the help of two new Roni Deutch Tax Center franchisees, Heather and Gentry Spell. The blog has been following the Spells from day one before they even signed a franchise agreement, and will continue to follow them through the end of tax season. Along with videos and pictures of the Spells, the blog also features informative articles and blog entries useful to any one considering investing in a franchise. Check out WatchMeFranchise.com today!