Internet communications has opened up a whole new world to those who want to reach buyers directly. The power of the Web is an incredible resource in the expansion and promotion of your business. Gaining visibility online is the wave of the future and essential if you want to reach more people in your target audience.

Print advertisements and press releases sent the traditional way—through journalists, no longer have the same impact. Relying solely on the media and on print ads can also be frustrating and costly. Mainstream media is still an important component to getting your message across; however, the Web is a direct access that reaches your buyers quickly.

A wealth of resources are available that promote business, including blogging; Internet mailing lists; professional development Web sites that distribute press releases to appropriate Web-based media; Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, a relatively new technology that enables subscribers to access Internet-based news; social and business networking sites; and podcasting, a medium that reaches a world-wide audience through audio content feeds.

Social networking sites like Facebook (www.facebook.com); MySpace (www.myspace.com); Twitter (www.twitter.com); and Linkedin (www.linkedin.com), have revolutionized global communication. While these Web-based services connect people around the world, they also build relationships among those with common interests and activities, and provide services to individuals with specific needs.

Online public relations practice has become more widespread and people are taking advantage of this fact. More reporters are doing their research online and accepting press releases via e-mail. There are literally dozens of links to Web sites that provide information and enhance public relations and marketing. Below are a few good ones:

· www.online-pr.com

· www.prweb.com

· www.ereleases.com

· www.newswise.com

· www.prplace.com

While all the tools on the Web are there for the asking, a good public relations and marketing professional, as well as strategic planning, are essential to the success of your business.

Written by Karen L. Bonnet, Vision 2 Market – Public Relations & Catherine Flores

I’ve met with business owners from various industries this month and I am asked the same questions over and over, “What should I be doing to get customers into my store or how can I spark sales to increase cash flow now”.  There is no doubt that we are in the most challenging economic times in decades but the answer to that question is MARKET your products and services.

Market them in a smarter, more creative way.  You may want to consider revaluating your existing marketing strategy and target customer. Do you have options to make different decisions regarding your advertising plan?  You bet you do and there is no better time than now to re-examine your advertising expenditures or take a good hard look at your target customers buying patterns.  Repositioning your business in the marketplace is essential to surviving in tough times.

How are your advertising vehicles working to increase sales as compared to 3-5 years ago? Once you’ve looked at your advertising expenses and investigated opportunities to redefine your target customer, prioritize the possibilities that can drive immediate sales. Here are a few low cost suggestions:

Call existing customers especially ones that you have serviced within the last year.  Ask if they are happy with the products or services that they received from your company.  If you’ve done a good job, you’ll get great feedback and open the door to doing more sales.  Mention a current promotion or ask if they would like to set the wheels in motion by discussing some particulars on their next project.

Placing a simple call gives you the opportunity to problem solve and be proactive in addressing any client concerns.  How may times have you wanted to call a vendor or supplier about a problem but it was a hassle, or you didn’t have time so you kept putting it off until your sales rep walked in the door? By that time you unleashed on your sales rep. Well, don’t let that be your customer.  View the phone call as an opportunity to improve your business and preserve your reputation. At the very least, you’ll make a memorable impression.

Send your customers your company brochure or most current promotion so they can see the full line of products and services you may be offering at a special savings.  Handwritten written thank you notes can help you stay on the radar screen too.  Nurture your existing customers if you cannot afford to invest in marketing to new customers and they just might help you spark sales now.

Check back next week for more low cost marketing opportunities and suggestions.