While we're not always running an advertised promotion, they ARE a powerful tool for increasing sales, creating awareness and maximizing contact with current and future customers.

But if you're not IN the promotion business - where do you start?

During this episode we'll break down some simple approaches to great promotions and how to get them up and running. First, let's run through the basics:

Who is your Audience?

If you haven't done this yet, you need to develop a clear idea of WHO you're selling to. That way you can design something that fits that "sample" person. That will also lead you to what kind of promotion you might want to run.

Example 1: Blue collar worker in a small town working for an electrician, single mom who loves to spend money on her kids
Example 2: Local parents of elementary and middle school children

Deciding What to Promote:

• Do you have inventory of something you'd like to sell off?
• Is there something in particular you'd love to sell MORE of ?
• What NEW product would you like to test in your market?
• Something seasonal that just makes sense

Promotion Types:

• Savings or discounts (was/is)
• Free upgrade or add on at retail $$ spent
• Loyalty coupons
• Order one, get another one for free
• Referral offerings
• Time-limit bundles
• Unique Offering
• Seasonally hot or fashionable

Create Your Message

What, Why, How

Support your local restaurant by eating out with a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks.
What: 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks
Why: Support your local restaurant
How: eating out - ordering online

Publishing Options

How will you actually promote your promotion? Because that will determine what you'll need. But the basics are almost always the same:

• Photos or a short video
• Pricing
• Print
• Digital

Email Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Menus / Tables
Signs Outside of Schools
Calling your Customers

Measure success

• Make sure you measure success
• How many sales did you generate?
• Did you sell the promo or make other sales because of the promo?
• How much did the promo cost you? (ads or goods or time)
• Should you do another one?