Corrine Ayoub is the current marketing intern here at Grasshopper. She will be writing several guest posts over the next few months.

1. Importance of Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction

   It’s 10 times more expensive to gain new customers than to retain them. Therefore, customer loyalty, connection, and satisfaction is very important. Keep in contact with your customers via social networks and occasionally conduct surveys to see if they are satisfied with your company.

2. Free is better

   Sounds obvious right? As a consumer culture Americans love the idea of not paying. Offering free trials for your products or even discounted promotions are an excellent way to get people to try them out. Once they see how good the product is, they’ll be willing to pay more for it!

3. Network Network Network

   A stranger at a bar who orders the same thing as you? Your parents old college roommate who is visiting? Your best friends cousin’s uncles stepbrother twice removed? You never know who you know. Engaging in conversation is key to getting your name out there and networking. You never know who you really know. And they may know someone too. So don’t be afraid to talk!

4. Remember your client and be a friend!

   Studies show that clients are much more likely to be persuaded to buy your product if they like you.  So for example, if you’re pitching an idea or engaging in a sales offer and your client mentions something like “Oh I will definitely think about that after I get back from the Carribean for my honeymoon…” make sure that when you do follow up with them ask “So how was the Carribbean? I hear it’s beautiful…”

5. Word of Mouth is the New Billboard

   We live in a hugely ad-cluttered society. Every time you log on a webpage, walk down the street or step out your door there’s an ad slamming you in the face about something. If there’s ads constantly around us how are we going to remember what they’re really advertising? And do we really trust the advertising industries? Get people to talk to their friends and family about your stuff. People are much more likely to listen and respond if they hear it from an honest source.

 

6. Be Funny! But Not Too Funny…

   Sure everyone loves a good laugh. Incorporating humor into your marketing campaigns is successful because it makes the customer smile, making them more likely to think about your product. But  sometimes going over the top with humor will make the customer forget what you’re actually marketing. Find a happy medium.

7. Social Networking is Key

   It may seem obvious but a lot of companies fail to take advantage of the social networking opportunities available. They’re simple, generally somewhat successful, but most of all free! Take time to make and update Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and any other social network relevant to your company. It will pay off in one way or another. And remember, getting your name out there is key!