Marketing in a poor economy

COMPARISON SHOPPING

All over the world people and businesses are suffering the effect of the weak and poor economy. It is something no-one can escape. We feel it in our homes, our businesses and hear about it on a daily basis.

However, despite the poor economy, there are businesses and online businesses out there who are still doing well.

People don't stop searching the web because the economy is not what we want it to be. It is actually sparking the masses interest because people are searching for the best deal out there! And it will be your job to convert these searches into a sale.

People are shopping very differently now. They compare prices, services and are looking for services and products which will add value to their existance without costing too much. I call it comparison shopping.

Even though everyone is trying to cut costs, we cannot stop buying. Life dictates buying. But, we want the best (not necessarily the cheapest) deal. The best deal off course means, it offers the best service, procuct at the best price.

Searches compare sites. Yes they do! They look at your competitors sites and at yours and if your site does not offer the best deal, they will surf over to your competitor's site and conclude the deal there.

MARKETING STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER

Special offers:

In these trying times it is a good idea to consider a special offer. Here are a few ideas:

*  Half price wills with conveyancing;
*  Sign up for 12 months and get 40% discount;
*  Half-price initial consultation;
*  Buy one, get one free (sorry, had to include that one!!);
*  Free site survey /inspection
*  Web design with free SEO optimization

It is important to make sure that you can afford the special you are offering and most important that you will be able to handle the enquiries as well as sales.

Oh, and remember to set a deadline for your special offer!

Price comparison

As a website owner you can offer price comparison on your site. What an excellent idea ... I am going to add this to my site as soon as I've finished writing this article.

It is important to do your research and make sure that you update the information on a regular basis in case your competitor has also decided to have a special offer.

If you find that you are NOT cheaper than your competitors, do the following:

* Revise your pricing structure.
* Highlight the extra advantages that your product/service offers above that of your competitor and make sure that these advantages are good enough to convert your offer to a sale.


Keywords

Re-assess your keywords and add words and phrases like:

* sale
* discount
* free shipping on
* best price on
* cheap

Campaign for customers who have already bought yout product or have made use of your service.

* Offer discount for repeat business
* Offer incentives for referrals
* Thank them for their business


Blogging

Blogs get ranked very fast nowadays. So get into it. Make sure that you make use of targeted keywords. And enough links to your website. Just remember that you must not just to "marketing" on your blog. Offer information that is interesting and will add to your customer's knowledgebase.

In other words, you must become a resource for people on saving money in difficult economic times. Get creative in ideas on how to save your customers money.

Know your customers:

* What are they afraid of?
* What are their needs?
* What can they do without?
* What can't they do without?

Focus on these and you will make headway in your marketing campaign.

For more information on online marketing