Tracy Johannsen

Marketing is essential to business success. However, contrary to popular belief, marketing your business doesn’t have to consume a lot of time or money. Consider implementing these tactics if you haven’t yet done so to maximize your marketing investment.

• Form strategic alliances with other businesses. Look for businesses that reach your target market and consider ways you can work together.
• Get listed in Google Places. Ninety-seven percent of consumers search for local businesses online. Be there when they're looking for you with Google.
• Send a card or postcard to customers to remind them when they need to come back for seasonal items.
• Put local keywords — such as the name of your city or county — on your web pages and in title tags to help web searchers find you.
• Add share buttons to your website and encourage visitors to use them
• Make the telephone number on your website a click-to-call link to make it easy for customers using smart phones to call you.
• Give away something useful with a purchase over a certain dollar amount. People appreciate free things that add value to them.
• Be proactive and be persistent. Try, try and try again until you find tactics that work for you.

For more information on marketing your business, visit Marketing Minutes, the American Rental Association’s (ARA) online member marketing resource.