One often overlooked way to market your business is through widely-used everyday products that cost less than any popularly used marketing tools. There really is no excuse not to use these little products. If you do not have company stationery then your business is not "on the move." I'm talking about business cards, letterhead, envelopes and notepads. Simple and affordable. Business Cards Business cards started in France during the reign of Louis IVX. First called "visiting cards," they were about the size of playing cards and were used to write signatures and promissory notes. In the 17th century, Englanders began using tradecards. These cards were used as maps and advertising to draw people to stores and shops. At the time, they were more popular than newspapers. By the 19th century business cards were firmly entrenched in business as a social etiquette and were exchanged on both sides of the Atlantic before, during and after business transactions. Business cards do more than advertise your business. They show the world that you care about good will and etiquette. By sharing your business card with other business leaders as you meet in public places, you are saying in essence that you believe free and fair trade is essential to good human relations. Letterhead and envelopes Business letterhead and envelopes have been around almost as long as business cards, although their use was not as widespread until the 20th century. Designs for letterhead became more and more ornate as postal operations increased and the cost of printing declined. Thanks to Gutenberg and his famous printing press businesses of all sizes were able to take advantage of this low-cost way to keep their names in front of their customers for a long time. If you correspond with customers through the mail then you should be using letterhead and envelopes. Most times, correspondences between businesses are kept for a longer duration of time if done with this business marketing tool. I highly recommend it. Notepads Another way you can keep your name in front of customers without breaking the bank is to print notepads just as you would letterhead. Your company logo, business name, address and telephone on a small writing pad will go far to keep customers remembering you all year round. It is subtle yet effective and, best of all, costs less than a dinner meal. You can even give these little pads to your customers to use in their daily business, ensuring that they remember you. Movers and Shakers All Go Stationery Look around. Who do you know that is going places? Chances are, they have business cards, letterhead and envelopes and probably even have their name on a pack of notepads. Their customers see these and remember them for a long time. If you want a low-cost way to advertise your business, there is no better way than by printing a high quality business stationery. It will keep your business moving. |
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