Free Marketing Ideas - The 7 Point Checklist Most Businesses Miss

All businesses want to market their products and services but you may think this will be expensive. This article will suggest some free marketing ideas - ideas that are not only free to learn about, but which you can implement at no cost! Truly free marketing ideas.

So what are these free marketing ideas? Well here are 7 which really can cost you nothing:

1. Provide excellent customer service.

You should want to do this anyway, so the added cost is nil, but the benefit in terms of your reputation and your customer retention and recommendation rates will be great. Customer service is an area where you can easily compete with the big corporations. Go the extra mile by ensuring that every customer goes away completely satisfied: fully understanding your product and how to use it; or thoroughly happy with the service you have provided; and ready to recommend your business to their friends and colleagues.

2. Ensure your telephone answering system is first rate.

During working hours, make sure every call is answered within 3 rings and that the greeting you give is friendly and personal. Ensure that the person who answers your calls is trained to deal with the majority of customers' questions themselves or, if they can't, to ensure all the necessary information is passed on with the call to the person who can. Don't let callers be passed on repeatedly, each time having to repeat their details and problems.

3. After hours or at busy times - make sure your answerphone message is professional, helpful, and proactive.

Not just "please leave a message" but "we are so sorry that no-one is able to help you right away, but we promise to call you back by 9:30am tomorrow if you would be kind enough to leave your number" or something similar. And make certain you always deliver on that promise.

4. Make the best use of all the space on your stationery.

Don't waste the back of your business card: let it act as an advertising space. Don't just print your company name on your letters and invoices: include a logo, slogan, details of your less obvious products and services, etc.

5. Dress the part, or dress to impress.

Make sure you dress appropriately to emphasise the professionalism of your business. Even if you are a manual worker or tradesman, make sure your overalls are smart and clean every morning, and show off your company logo. If your business provides products or services to offices, make sure you dress smartly enough to look as if you belong on their premises and are not just a cleaner or delivery boy. 6. Spring clean your office, shop or premises. Really tidy up - get rid of all the junk, throw away the posters peeling off the walls, wash down all the surfaces and vacuum all the floors. Your customers will really notice the difference. Add a vase of fresh flowers on the reception desk and promise yourself to do this every month or so from now on.

7. Check out your website for spelling and grammar errors.

Your professionalism is in doubt right away if your website is riddled with typing errors, misplaced apostrophes, poor punctuation and grammatical mistakes. Don't assume your website designer will correct your text - he or she is an expert in computers not grammar. If you can't afford a proofreader, ask a fussy friend or relation to check it for you.

Now have a brainstorming session to come up with 7 more ideas of your own. Maybe you are thinking "that's not marketing" but it certainly is - marketing is about promoting your business to your customers and all these free marketing ideas will do just that.