/24-7PressRelease/ - BROOMFIELD, CO, August 28, 2008 - Even the "big guys" are feeling the pressures of the economic downturn: according to a recent global survey by Forrester Research (www.forrester.com), roughly 40 percent of over 100 marketing leaders believe they will have to cut their budgets for 2008. The average budget cut is expected to be 3 percent.
If you are like these larger companies, you have probably considered cutting many of your marketing expenditures as well. Don't! "Those organizations that cut back on their marketing in tough economic times are hurting themselves. If feasible, increase marketing spending to gain a larger voice in your marketplace as your competitors cut back," advises the Marketing Sherpa (www.marketingsherpa.com).
"Keeping in touch with your clients and staying visible in your community doesn't have to cost you a bundle", says Gwen Buehler, Marketing Manager at In Touch Today. In Touch Today is a marketing company based in Denver, Colorado, that assists professionals in increasing their repeat and referral business as well as building professional referral sources and prospecting new clients.
"There are many inexpensive and even free ways to market your business," Gwen adds, "and the more creative you are in your marketing efforts, the higher likelihood that people will remember you." For instance, you could hand out free balloons at your office with business cards attached to the string - the balloons are especially fun for families with small children. This type of marketing is both playful and memorable, a winning combination for professionals wishing to increase client retention.
Free marketing ideas tend to take the form of email and internet activities, such as sending a personal email checking in with clients or conducting a survey of them to see what needs they have. Two techniques currently used by In Touch Today are daily internal emails with inspirational quotes and a blog clients can read with both personal and business-related topics.
If you have some marketing money to spare, you might want to consider some low-cost ideas as well. For instance, send a digital newsletter filled with useful articles and tips to your clients once a month ($35 pre-written). Or, host a neighborhood picnic or potluck; provide soda, water and some snacks and tell your neighbors to invite a friend.
These are just a few of the suggestions included on the list of 29 economical marketing ideas released by In Touch Today. The list was created in response to clients' needs for low-cost marketing solutions in today's economy, especially in the real estate and mortgage industries which In Touch Today services. The full list can be found on In Touch Today's website, under their Special Reports page: (www.intouchtoday.com/specialreports/); also found on their website is a full description of direct mail products and services the company provides.
Since incorporation in 2000, and a meager $50 investment, In Touch Today has grown to a $5 million marketing company helping thousands of professionals world-wide. To learn more about direct mail marketing and how it can impact your commercial aspirations, please visit http://www.intouchtoday.com or call 800-433-3755.
About In Touch Today
In Touch Today provides automated mailing programs and marketing education for professionals. Please visit http://www.intouchtoday.com or call 800-433-3755 for further information.
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