Here are the answers to some of the questions we have been asked:
* What's the best way to market a company over the Internet?
Great question. Of course, we would
have to know more about your business before we could give you a complete answer. However,
here's a few suggestions. On all collateral materials and future
advertising add your new website address. For example, if you run newspaper ads, be sure
to add your website. Same goes for any flyers or promotions. Also, try a promotion offered
only on your web site. Also, consider
sending postcards to all your customers/ clients announcing a
promotion on your new web site.
* Approximately how many hits will a web site generate a
month?
The web is so new and changes occur
frequently...almost daily...that it's really hard for anyone to get an accurate handle on
numbers. However, here are some things that might help you. If you:
(1) are a Fortune 100 company your response rate will be lots higher than if you
are a small business, (2) don't market your site your response rate will be affected, (3)
are on lots of search engines you're better off and (4) are promised thousands
of hits a month, be suspicious.
* What response rate can we expect to receive from a
mailing?
Direct mail program response rates vary greatly.
Is your program business-to- business or business-to-consumer? That makes a
difference. The more targeted the program and the better the offer, the higher your
response rate. Many mailings receive a response rate from 6-45%...and I've heard of
as high as 78%. A "cold" program may pull only 1/2%. If you closely define your
audience, have a good offer, you should increase your response rate.
* Is telemarketing still good to use?
Yep, telemarketing is very beneficial when done
properly. . . especially for business- to- business programs. Advertising/marketing campaigns will increase
with the use of a telephone campaign. However, understanding how and when to
use the telephone is the big question.
* What's an average yearly advertising budget?
Usually the larger the organization the larger
the budget. A small- to mid-sized company generally spends in the neighborhood of 3 - 7%.
Larger businesses spend much more. We've seen budgets over 15%...to promote a new
product...test a new geographic area or blitz a product.
No matter how much or how little you spend, it's
important to use your advertising dollars wisely. Web sites and media advertising aren't
for every business. Knowing how to get the biggest bang for your buck is crucial.
We hope we've been helpful! Please don't hesitate
to give us call if you would like to talk or meet with us. Thanks for your question.
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