Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Or not!

OK, we’ve had Christmas and we’re all ready to knuckle down to business in 2010 but the weather has conspired against us. Sub zero temperatures, treacherous road conditions, school closures and failures in electricity supplies have meant a disrupted start to 2010 for many businesses.

But let’s not get down and depressed, instead let’s look forward. After all, in spite of the snow we’ve had some beautiful, clear, sunny days. The air has been fresh and we can start to think clearly about plans for 2010.

So what does this year hold in store for your business? If, like many you struggled in 2009, you may be looking for new opportunities, ideas and ways to attract new customers or clients.

How about these 4 simple marketing ideas as a starting point?

Plan regular communications to clients and customers

Every business should find some way to keep in touch with customers on a regular basis. Whether you produce an email newsletter like this one, send a hand written note, invite them to regular events or email them weekly with news, information and special offers it doesn’t matter – but make sure you do something, and keep it regular. A new client I’m working with hadn’t had any kind of formal communication with customers for over 18 months. After the launch of an email newsletter they experienced a wide range of benefits, some of them unexpected. They took immediate (I mean same day) orders for a new product launched in the newsletter; received positive comments and thanks for being kept informed and as a result of one particular article which invites response on a ‘green’ issue have started to look at ways to repackage their products to cut down on waste and ultimately costs for them too.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have nothing to say. If you brainstorm within your team I am sure there’s plenty of news – whether it’s about new products or services you can offer; existing services clients find particularly beneficial; your comments and view on your industry; success stories from your clients using your products or an introduction to key members of your team – believe me your clients want to know. And of course the more they know about your business the closer they feel and the closer they feel the less receptive they are to an approach from one of your competitors.

Improve your website

I am a firm believer that an effective web presence is essential for every business. But equally I believe that you need a site that will help achieve your particular goals.

So first things first – what are your goals and are they realistic? Do you want to use your website as the main ‘shop window’ to your business, to express who you are and what you stand for? Do you want to us...

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