With fewer buyers driving around aimlessly looking at open houses and model centers, in yesterday's blog post "Consumer Behavior in a Downturn How to Adapt & Generate Business - Part I" we were trying to shed a little light on how to adapt and position yourself in front of consumers who might have a need for your services or product. The post ended by bringing up that with high fuel prices, people are hibernating at home and using the Internet as a source of entertainment.
In January, 2008, Nielsen reported that 94% of Internet users have shopped on-line. 94%!! I am convinced that given the current market, and with the desire for and acceptance of technology today, it would be wise for you to put more of your resources and energy into your Internet presence, i.e., web site, blogs, social networks, etc. because that's where the people are.
That being said, don't rely on the Internet alone to bring you business. Just as you would have a balanced stock portfolio, you need a balanced marketing plan.
- Smart, enticing, targeted marketing campaigns work best.
- Don't just throw money at ideas that sound good. Establish a budget, make a plan, implement the plan, monitor the results, refine the plan.
- Don't sit around waiting for the perfect plan. Roll out a good plan and refine it.
- Don't try to be all things to all people.
- Keep your message simple.
- Tell them one thing at a time.
- Tell them once, tell them twice, tell them, tell them, tell them.
I've always been told that selling is a numbers game. If you have ever sold homes on-site for a builder during a parade of homes or had an open house and been swamped by people looking at decorating, so much so that you can't even work all of the traffic, I think you'd agree that quality is better than quantity. Go for quality by determining who your target market is and targeting your efforts to them.
Happy marketing!
