Start Thinking Creatively

Start Thinking Creatively....

With the economy the way it is at the moment and everyone trying to save money, it’s time to get creative with your marketing.

If you own a website, make sure it is performing and earning its keep.  Can customers find you on the web easily?  Is your website being feature in the first three pages of an internet search? Does your website have a “Share This” button on it?  Maybe your website needs to be updated or have a blog added to it.  Blogs keep your website filled with current information and lots of keywords which the search engines love.

Take a look at all the social media sites out there now and work out if you can use them to promote your business.  Most of them are free and easy to use but they do need up to half an hour per day to maintain your ‘social’ standing and exposure.

How is your signage looking?  Are you making the most of your shop or business front?  Do your signs look old and faded and need replacing?  Is there a great spot to put up a banner announcing your latest offers?  Is there an alliance you can build with another business to promote yourselves at a low cost?

Are there any customers, clients or partners you could approach and ask for a testimonial?  Happy customers often don't think to provide a review but unhappy ones will often go out of their way to harm your reputation - on-line or otherwise.  Give your good customers a call or send them a thankyou card and ask them if they could support your business by providing a testimonial.  Testimonials are always fantastic to use on your website or flyers.

We came across a great website on thinking creatively at :

http://www.creativethinkingwith.com/Creative-Thinking-Exercises.html.

There is also a great little book called “What Made You Think of That? Thinking Differently in Business” by Gary Bertwistle.

Set aside some time today to explore creativity - enlist the help of your staff, colleagues and friends and see how you can try something new in 2010.