Your business probably already sends out paperwork to clients every day that could become part of your marketing strategy and because it’s already being sent your costs remain unaffected.

Business cards should have all the traditional contact details on them but many have blank areas or the rear left blank when it could be used to promote your business. Use the space on the back of your business cards to display product photos, show client testimonials, list your services, detail special offers, link to your email newsletter or write a short description of what your business can do for your customers.

When you have the details of your customer to send them information directly, writing to them on letterheaded paper is a great way to get your company branding noticed. Include all your contact details on the letterhead in a prominent place and if you have space in the letter include a testimonial, promote your website or your email newsletter and include a special offer to tempt the customer into making contact again. Include a business card with your letter or include some other promotional literature. The envelope you send the letter in can also be used to carry your logo, your company strap-line and other information like your opening hours, your website address and your phone number.

Compliments slips are ideal for inclusion with customer orders, letters and invoices. Include all your contact details and links to your website and blog to keep these details at the fingertips of your customers. Including a handwritten message that is personally addressed to your customer will help to show them that their custom is appreciated.

Once a customer has made a successful purchase from you they are more likely to make a repeat purchase. Online retailers often send order conformation emails to customers showcasing other items they might like to purchase next time or including a special offer they can use with their next order. Invoices on paper can be used for promotion of your website, blog or to include special offers for a customer’s next purchase. Try these ideas on your next set of invoices.

This blogpost is an exerpt from the first Create Design Studio book on creating websites. If you would like to read more visit our website at: www.iwanttobeawebdesigner.com and download a chapter from the book FREE!

Create Design Studio provide graphic design and website services, we also set up blogs and make great PowerPoint presentations. If you’d like us to help you with your next project please call David on 01420 549637.

It sounds pricey, doesn’t it?

Like you’d hear one of those big design agencies pitch at you. A big, expensive, complicated marketing campaign.

Well, it doesn’t have to be any of those things. The beauty of deciding for yourself what strategies you want to use to promote your business is choosing  just the things that you already know work for you and doing things that suit your budget and the amount of time you have.

Printed flyers are inexpensive and versatile. Use them to advertise your services and your organisation. They can be used to promote events you attend, while networking, sent through the post, placed in your reception area or included with publications and newspapers.

Create Design Studio have a flyer design service, call David on 01962 737989 for a quote. Or visit our graphic design gallery to see examples of our work.

Harness the power of social networking online to contact other businesses and customers directly. You can promote your brand this way as well as your services, products, latest offers and your blog or website. This part of your campaign is more a matter of investing time than money.

Read our Top 10 Tips on Blogging and Social Media

Invest time in making your website relevant and useful to your customers. Make sure the text and the images portray your organisation in the best light, make sure your website is easy to navigate, that your contact details are easy to find and get friends and family to test drive it to make sure you haven’t missed anything obvious.

Keep in regular contact with your customers either through the post, using your customer database, or through email. Ask your customers if they would like to receive your email newsletter before you add them to your mailing list. When writing an email newsletter concentrate on articles that will interest your customers and not just on promoting your services, it’s unlikely to hold their interest if it’s simply a glorified advert. You don’t have to write one every month, although if you have the material and the inclination you can! Once a quarter or 2/3 times each year could be ample. Make sure you include your contact details with the mailing so customers can use it to get in touch if they want to.

For a small budget these ideas can give you the most bang for your buck, but if you have a larger budget you could also try:

• A glossy brochure to show off your services
• A printed newsletter to mail to customers and hand out at networking events
• Advertising and Google Adwords
• Starting an e-commerce website to sell directly to customers

Create Design Studio can help your organisation with marketing, whatever your budget we have ideas to suit. Please call David on 01962 737989 for your free consultation.