How to successfully market your small business in a down economy.

“Successful companies do not abandon their marketing strategies in a recession. They adapt them.”

John Quelch, Harvard Business School

So, like everyone else in the world (except for hedge fund managers and NBA stars) you’re feeling the effects of the sluggish economy. And like everybody else, you’re making cutbacks. Conventional wisdom says the first thing people slash in down times is their marketing. But conventional thinking doesn’t build too many lasting businesses.

The truth is, small businesses need to marketing themselves MORE in a down economy, because it’s an opportunity to introduce your brand to a whole new audience—while all the conventional guys are cutting back.

If you want to reach more customers in a down economy, here are a few great cost-effective ideas marketing ideas:

• Update your website. Quick quiz: When was the last time you upgraded your company’s website? Was The Sopranos still on? If so, it’s time for a revamp. This goes double if you don’t have a mobile-friendly site (link to Going Mobile page). Here at Graphic D-Signs, we can hook you up with the coolest site around. Just check out some of our latest looks for proof (link to gallery).
• Search Engine Optimization. It might not be all that glamorous, but ensuring that it’s easy for customers to find your site on search engines is one of the smartest things you can do. At this point, even great-grandmothers know how to Google. Talk to us about an SEO plan today.
• Social, social, social. Alright, we admit it. Saying “Social Media is a great marketing tool” is sort of old news. But so are ice cream cones. And they sell like mad. If you get confused by all the Likes and Tweets and Check-ins, don’t worry. We’re super geeks with that kind of stuff. And it works.
• Vehicle Wraps. This is a no-brainer. Got a van? Then you’ve got a billboard. Better yet, a billboard with wheels. Graphic D-Signs has one of the best vehicle wrap design teams in the country. We’ll make sure you get noticed every time you hit the road. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to get your name out. After all, you’re going to be driving anyway, right? Might as well score some new customers while you’re at it.