Here are our guidelines for business promotion:
Website/Creative a webpage--Online or offline businesses should create a webpage. If your is a startup business, you should consider the many sources for free webpages. Just plug in "free webpages" using your favorite search engine. There are also affiliate program webpages which allows you to offer free web pages to other internet-based entrepreneurs. If yours is an established company, then you might have a profession webpage designer, either a webmaster employed by your own company or a subcontractor.
Pitch letters--These are letters that can be sent via direct mail or e-mail pitching your company to other companies and/or individuals. These can be individualized letters or form letter, depending upon your type of company.
Online groups--You should join online business communities related to your type of company. For example, if yours is an import-export company, you should join Yahoo or Google or other online business communities that specialize in import-export.
Media Kit--If you promote your company to media, you should have a media kit which includes news release, history of your company, etc. These are useful for TV, newspaper, and print advertising.
Films & Videos--Documentary films on your business and business history, including instructional and workshop films. These films and videos can be presented online also on multimedia webpages.
Music--Some companies have musical themes/jingles that are identified with your company. Consider this especially for radio & TV advertising.
Workshops & Classes--You can offer online workshops & classes related to your type of business.
Business Cards--You and your employees should have business cards that can be given freely.
Postcards--Your company postcards with your logo.
Flyers--These may be electronic or print.
Bookmarks--You don't have to be a bookstore or author to make use of bookmarks for sales promotions. These can be distributed freely to your clients.
Promotional products--Consider promotional products like t-shirts, mugs, pens, and many different promotional items that can be sent to clients. If you are a store, then some items that can be purchased from your store can also contain your company logo.
Your Own Bookstore--You can set up your own bookstore selling book in your area of interest or expertise. For example, say you're a travel agency, then you can start a bookstore selling travel books and foreign language books, for example.
Your Own Online Storefront--This may be the same and/or independent from your website. You can order online. If you don't have online order, then you might connect to an affiliate program similar to your type of store. For example, if you're a furniture store, you can join furniture affiliate programs. If you're a candy store, there are candy and food affiliate programs that you can join. People can order online from your store and/or from your affiliate network(s).
Start Your Own Affiliate Program--If you have a product or service that is appropriate for affiliate marketing, then you can start your own affiliate program signing up subaffiliates and hiring online commissions sales reps.
Article Writing--Your company can write and distribute articles written in your company and/or by your company writers in their names, noting that they are associated with your company.
Books--Books can also be written in the company name written by your company staff of writers. Of course they can also pen works in their own names, noting that they are employed by your company. However, there are many books which are written by companies and staff writers and the "pen name" is the company name. With these types of books staff writers can also publish and revise new editions. These can be self-published and/or published and reprinted by commercial publishers, especially those publishing interested in business books, how-to and reference books, etc.
Other Online Advertising--Make use of other online advertising sources like search engines, online business directories, link exchanges, etc.
For additions, use your favorite search engines and the keyswords, "business promotions." There are many online and offline business promotional opportunities.
Keep a notebook and jot down your own business promotional ideas and business promotional opportunities. Select those promotional ideas and opportunities that are the most effective for your type of company or business.
Susan James is a freelance writer and an affiliate of Cafepress.com, http://www.cafepress.com/?pid=2645296 and The Bargain Store, http://www.bargainssite.com/cgi-bin/ISStore/main?AID=fnbpublica
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