Marketing Tip #8: Remember what you stand for

Take the time and revisit your company's mission statement and core
values (you probably wrote it in your business plan if you forgot).
Remembering what you stand for is a great way to make sure you are
doing what you set out to do. It is a great way to reconnect with your
brand.

Marketing Tip #7: Gentle Advice

My butcher gives me recipe and cooking cards for the various cuts of
meat I buy from them.
One of my favourite clothing stores tell me the different 'looks' I
can get with the belt, shirt or dress I'm buying.
I like to call these examples - gentle advice. Words that help
complete the sale, that make the customer feel you really do care
about them and their purchase.

Marketing Tip #6: SEO is the new black

If your in the marketing field - branding, sponsorship, digital, etc.
- you can only benefit from learning about search engine optimization
(SEO).
It will tell you how people find you and what they're interested in.
Keep working on it and watch sales, readership and/or viewership
increase.

Why, for me? Incentives that keep the love alive

Although I'm an avid reader, I have been reluctant to read on my iPod
touch. I have tried before, but I guess I'm a bit old fashion, loving
the smell and feel of the pages of a book.
However, I downloaded and signed up for Indigo's Kobo app for my iPod
touch a few days ago, merely to see how it worked.
Since signing up, I have received a new register discount
(immediately) as well as timely discounts like x% off books turned
movies as it is Oscar season. The incentives are pretty good. Enough
for me to not only open the email but to also highly consider
purchasing my first ebook.
So what makes an incentive good enough to keep me reading, opening and
eventually purchasing?
1. A good deal. Or at least an offer that makes me think I am getting
something great for nothing. Also, occassionally, a wonderful deal or
gift that is forward to a friend worthy. For example, khiel's will
give customers a free lipbalm once in awhile.
2. Great consistent content that makes the sight of your name in the
from field excited...or at least not sent immediately to he trash.
3. Time sensitive. The deal should only be valid for a limited time.

Marketing Tip #5: Always ask for feedback

Customer feedback is a great way to continuously perfect your product
or service.
Ask for feedback on a receipt, your website, at the end of a blog post
or podcast or the next time a customer comes into your store.
Don't forget to say thanks when someone does take the time to send a
few words your way.