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Most organizations, in difficult economic and recessionary times, typically cut advertising dollars in order to trim costs. This reduction in advertising was made apparent during SuperBowl XLIII when the "Big 3" decided not to spend any ad dollars on commercials time. Some think this decision hurt the Big 3, by allowing foreign competitors such as Hyundai and VW/Audi to gain market share. Others believe it was necessary in order to save Millions of dollars for an unknown, but most likely limited, return on investment.
"Recession Smart Advertising" is a phrase commonly used by Tony Haddad, President of T-Tech Solutions LLC, to describe the limited use of ad dollars to provide the greatest outcome. Tony believes that using a combination of his "Recession Smart Advertising" techniques can prove effective for small businesses.
Tony provides the following advice:
- Use what's free and use it effectively - Become intimately familiar with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the numerous integration points
- Don't stop advertising - Savvy businesses effectively utilize recessions as opportunities to gain market share and increase visibility
- Know your target audience and find out where to best reach them
- Measure the impact of your campaigns and optimize quickly
- Most importantly, be creative, use what works, and leverage expert advice to save you time and money
The term link exchange is an old web marketing technique that has recently been identified as one of the top SEO strategies used by organizations to improve their site's ranking.
Link exchange is a marketing technique in which websites, typically offering similar services, exchange text or banner links. Link exchange is usually free when you negotiate directly with other site owners or can be purchase through one of many link exchange programs.
While there are various forms of linking exchange strategies and naming conventions, one linking strategy continues to come out as the winner.
One-Way link (aka Incoming Link, Inbound Link, Non Reciprocal Link) is considered by many as the most desirable form of linking, and consists of placing a hyperlink on someone's website, typically one with a high amount of traffic, that points to your website, without any reciprocal link. One-way links increase your link popularity and further increase the ranking of your site.
How is this better than exchanging links? The thought process behind this is simple, one-way links tell search engines that your website is so useful that other sites want to tell people about it.
According to their website, "Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?"
Some may think of Twitter as another medium for kids to post and exchange meaningless messages and random comments with their friends. While at first glance, the tool may seem like just another Myspace or Facebook knockoff, Twitter can actually be used as an effective marketing weapon.
If used effectively, Twitter can be a great way to keep your existing and potential clients abreast of your company's breaking news. Below are just a few ways that you can use Twitter as a free marketing and broadcasting tool:
- Real Estate - Post new properties or scheduled showings the moment they become available
- Retail / Online Store - Inform readers of new promotions or product lines
- Public Speakers - Post your upcoming round table or speaking events
- Recruiters - Post new job openings or opportunities
Smart companies use Twitter, why don't you?
I'm sure that most of us have heard the cliché "To give the shirt off your back," which typically refers to giving as much help or resources as possible to an individual or organization. Let's face it, in this difficult economic environment, it's difficult for the typical family to give anything, let alone the shirt off their backs. So, instead of giving someone the shirt off your back, why not just let them look at it?
What we're talking about here, is creating custom business t-shirts that don't have to break the bank or make you go over the top with your marketing budget. When t-shirts are fun and stylish, and tailored to a specific demographic, your advertising dollars will go further.
A typical Saturday family outing starts at McDonald's, moves on to the local grocery store, ends up at Walmart, Costco, or Sam's Club superstores, and then back home. And what does your business have to show for it? Absolutely nothing!
Why not turn these Saturday outings into an advertising blitz, without having to do anything out of the ordinary other than wearing a comfy t-shirt or sweatshirt with your corporate logo or website on it?
Most importantly, is to make sure that the t-shirts fit well and are comfortable, otherwise your employees, family members, and children won't wear them. We suggest the following websites based on customer satisfaction surveys, ease of use websites, and product guarantees.
- BrokenArrowWear.com
- Sonicshack.com
- Zazzle.com
Tips:
- Take into consideration that women's and men's bodies are shaped differently
- T-shirts made specifically for men are roomier
- T-shirts made specifically for children are among the lowest in costs
- Register for an upcoming charity walk, your registration fee will be tax deductible, and you'll come in contact with hundreds, even thousands of potential customers.
