Article: Print mediums include magazine, newspaper, coupon book and trade/industry journal advertisements. Consider your target audience when you are deciding on a publication to run your ad in. For example, if you own a women's clothing store, you would want to buy advertising space in fashion magazines, while someone who owns a mechanic shop would choose to advertise in an auto club magazine. Also called direct mail advertising, this method involves sending printed marketing materials like postcards and brochures directly to recipients' mail boxes. For a direct mail campaign, businesses purchase mailing lists that target their market sector. Direct mail comes with the costs of printing, mailing and purchasing mailing lists, and is therefore less cost effective and not as widely used as Internet marketing. However, direct mail marketing is ideal for things like hand-signed messages and paper coupons. For example, a home security system business would only mail to homeowners, rather than renters. The first thing you should do is create a website for your business so that customers can browse your wares and services online. Having a website also helps when promoting your business through social media. Create pages for your business on major social media platforms like Facebook, Yelp, and Instagram. Other online tools you can use include: Search engine optimization (SEO), banner ads, pay per click ads, mass emails, forums, directory listings, blogs, and affiliate programs. While it may seem old school, flyers are an excellent way to get the word out about your business. Either hang flyers up or distribute them by hand. Pass out flyers in public places where a lot of people gather, such as malls, trade shows, retailers, busy sidewalks and industry seminars. Additionally, you may acquire new customers by putting flyers on cars in parking lots, or handing flyers outdoor to door at apartment complexes and in neighborhoods. Another marketing possibility is creating a commercial that can be broadcasted on TV or the radio. Of course, it is important to keep your budget in mind. If you are going to do a commercial, you will want it to look professional rather than corny. To make a convincing commercial, you will need to spend a bit of money. Because of this, TV and radio ads are best suited for large, far-reaching companies that have the budget for such an expense. If you do want to go through with a commercial, search freelance-oriented websites like Thumbtack for freelance video producers who will generally shoot your commercial for less than large production companies. If you've ever glanced at a billboard and been intrigued by the business advertised there, then you know that signage does actually work. Billboard ads, marquee boards and storefront signs may attract customers to your business. If you have a mascot or logo for your store, you could also consider hiring someone to dance around in your mascot's costume and a sign in front of your store to attract customer attention. If you have tried increasing customer traffic by yourself and think you might need some professional help, look into hiring a public relations firm. PR firms handle press releases and news stories that can generate interest in your business. PR specialists can also help you come up with more convincing ad campaigns.
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Use print to inform customers about your business. Send out advertisements in the mail. Use the internet to market your business. Print up some flyers. Use the television and radio. Consider purchasing some signage. Enlist the aid of a public relations firm.