tintmobile

I posted this in the marketing forum too, but wanted to get some more input on this topic...

When I first opened (mobile sunless), I placed my business cards in area businesses and offered to put a link to their website (or some type of contact info) on my website in return for them letting me display my cards. Also, for certain people, I offered a free spray tan but no one took me up on the offer (so weird, I would been on that like white on rice). Does anyone else have any other suggestions of what I can do to in order to entice businesses to allow me to put my cards in their stores?

I am going to be expanding my business to another area, so it will be almost like starting all over for me, trying to get my name out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

CrystalSS

I get hit up ALL the time from people wanting to advertise in my store. I also recently had another post talking about how people just put stacks of cards in my store without asking...they go right in the trash.

But, from a business owner standpoint; I pay the rent and all the over head so why should I let someone advertise for free in a business I pay for? It has to be a really beneficial co-op. It is nice to get a free thing but I have to keep the lights turned on and a free spray tan does not do it.

I have space in tanning rooms that a few local business people decorate and advertise in. They pay a monthly fee for the space but, in season hundreds of people view those ads and they do well.

You are going to have to offer a good incentive to that business to let you market inside of a place they pay for and to actively promote you. Most of the time they toss your cards after you are gone.

Not sure what the traffic is on your website but, it would have to be big for me to blink. If you are bringing business in for ME then we have a deal.

-Are you willing to pay for the space for your cards to advertise?
-More importantly....are you a customer of that business?

Lastly, don't make the offers to employees...you need to get to the owner.

I just have a hard time with all the people that want to use my store to market themselves and they have never even used my business.

If you are giving an great incentive then the business will push your services. We perk up when it is something that helps pay the bills and is ACTUALLY driving traffic back to us.

I am just presenting this from a business owner stand point so perhaps this information will aide you in getting a better marketing opportunity in someones business. Hope this helps.

tintmobile

Thanks CrystalSS...yes it does help a lot.

tintmobile

Oh, can I ask what the monthly fee is that you charge for others to advertise in your salon? You can PM me if you'd like to keep this private. Thanks!

CrystalSS

bump

tintmobile

People, please tell me what is so wrong about me asking this question???

tinitangirl

I agree- you have to have something to offer to the business owner. We always cross promote with other companies- sometimes we showcase that business to our clients, place them in our gift bags, website etc. You should cross promote with companies that go along with your business- so it doesn't make the business owner look like they are pushing random businesses or services!!

tintmobile

There are people on this forum that had a problem with me asking this question. I started my business 6 months ago, so its fair to to say I am still new at this and am learning how to run it. As stated above, I am trying to get business in another area (and hoping to move to that area too), so I will be pretty much starting all over again with advertising and getting the word out.

There may be some people on here who are reading this and thinking, "what the heck is she talking about?". But there are those of you who do know why I am asking "what is wrong with me asking the original question?" WTF? What is it about that question that makes you think I am being sneaky or dishonest? I don't know if that is what you really think, but thats the only thing I can think of right now. Honestly, why are people on these boards so whacked out???

yogi50

I cross promote alot with gyms, nail salons...etc.. I meet either the owner or the manager of the business..and they know me and i know them..of course i let them put their cards in my place of business!!! no charge...only if they do the same for me..i go every other week to check to see if my business cards are in their shop...i get alot of clients from doing this...plus i will go out for lunch to a close by place.close to my tanning salon....and give my business to them or buy a top or something from them..and they will send me clients...
this is networking...not charging another business owner to put cards in your shop..in these hard times everything you can do to get people thur your doors!!!!!!!