Making That [Customer] Connection

After doing a search on direct mail for my small business, I primarily was given options for "internet" marketing. I'm finding that the marketing basics I learned in college aren't encouraged as much any more. For my business internet marketing isn't a viable option so I've had to go back to the basics and be creative.

Back to basic, of course, involved a little more leg work but I feel it has paid off and I fortunately have the data to prove it. My small business is located near a growing area with new subdivisions. I needed to find a way to really connect with potential consumers that recently moved in the the area.

My first task was welcoming them and introducing my business and how I can play a role in their getting settled to the new area. By providing helpful information such a listing of local services in the area and a nifty local area map, I was able to provide something free, tangible and hopefully helpful. I even have partnered with non competing businesses and we refer each other to new potential consumers, primarily those that have just move into the area. My direct mail efforts started off with providing useful information before bombarding potential customers with ads about my service. I figured it's a way to start to gain trust.

Although my business is still small my direct mail efforts are slowing paying off. I notice when I run a full court press on marketing my business the rewards show and are tangible.