Bootstrappers must talk to customers

Filed in archive Bootstrapper Tips on March 25, 2008

So what do you do if you haven't got the budget for slick television and radio announcements and full page display ads in newspapers and magazines to promote your business?

Here's a thought.

Talk to your customers!

While re-launching PostRanger.com, I've tried hard to keep visitors aware of our rapidly emerging news products including Allentown News, Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Metro and News of Poconos even if it is something as simple as an update on a blog.

Communicating with those who would use or buy your product whether on line or F2F gives a couple of advantages over conventional promotion:

• Input goes two ways. You will not only tell customers about your business but hopefully get comments in return
• Let your customer be your guide. Some customers may give input that could lead to new opportunities an entrepreneur hadn't yet even considered helping your business to grow.
• Change is its own reward. Just letting your customers know about new directions and new products will keep your business and products in the forefront of customers' minds whether they buy those new products immediately or not.
• Word of mouth is the best promotion. Communication with customers will start a conversation that will get your business talked about as well. It's an important step toward developing the relationships your business needs to sustain itself and grow.

Start your own conversation on your bootstrap business. Join our Yahoo! and MySpace bootstrap business groups.