Does marketing cost?. Whether it is time or money, marketing cost. The key is how much of it will give you a return. If you can develop a marketing campaign that gives you greater return than your investment, then your marketing cost you nothing but time. But this is time well spent. On the other hand if you do not market it is also costing you, severely. If you do not market, then the marketplace does not know you exist, thus you loose business. I ask you, is it better to spend a thousand dollars to make a million or to save a thousand dollars and make a hundred? This is a no brainer but many companies fall into this trap. Now I am not saying go out and spend the farm on advertisements. You know the saying a fool and his money soon parts. I am saying to strategically place your brand in places that will generate you business. You can do this with low cost and high returns.

There are some keys to marketing.

First know your market. Take time to know who they are, what they buy, where they go to do business, and what patterns they use in purchasing. This will help you define where to market.

Next you should know what you offer. More than what it is but rather how is it beneficial. Clearly define that.

Then define what make you unique. What value do you provide that your competitors don't?

Last, develop a marketing strategy based on these keys. Plot out where to place your brand, how often to place it, how much to spend based on your estimated returns, and what time frame you expect to see results. Also have a process in place that will turn these interests into business. We will discuss this later. With this you can guarantee to make returns greater than your investments and have nothing but time as a cost.

If you would like any advice on marketing at any time you can reach me at jbeale@jazardezign.com.