The Frugal Marketer

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Cut costs, not corners! This is a group to share, discuss, and advise each other on frugal marketing. Be forewarned: Frugal is not the same as Cheap. Come inside to learn the difference!

inSiders: 68
Latest Activity: Nov 11

ONLY discussions/comments about frugal marketing are allowed in this group.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remember this is a group for advice and information. Please do not use this group to advertise your services. This is not a forum for personal missions, charities that we 'need' to know about, or announcing that your business is for sale. Those types of contributions will subject the poster to removal from the group.

Just wanted to point out again--the definition of frugal and thus of this group is not about avoiding spending money on promoting your services. That's just necessary. The free things are great, but not the only thing.

This group is about spending your money WISELY--thus, FRUGALLY. You know you need to buy print advertising, so how do you go about it without losing your shirt? You want a radio ad, now how to get 75% off the normal prices? That's what we are here to learn and share.

You can either spend the money, or spend the time. Pick one, and then use it wisely!

If you wish to post a question, please START A DISCUSSION, rather than posting a comment. It will make it easy for folks to find you and share advice with you.

Discussion Forum

What has gotten your business the most new traffic? 8 Replies

Started by Sarah Coppola. Last reply by Larry Bourdeau Oct 2.

Advertise using flipping board on a side street 6 Replies

Started by Satish Babu. Last reply by Michelle Courtney Gower Apr 6.

Why are you in this group? 6 Replies

Started by Michelle Courtney Gower. Last reply by Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID, IDS Feb 14.

Comment Wall (14 comments)

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14 Comments

Comment by Michelle Courtney Gower on April 21, 2009 at 9:37am: Welcome, Julie! If you have specific questions please feel free to start a discussion here in the group (see above for discussions). happy to help!

Comment by Julie Wall on April 10, 2009 at 11:20am: Hi, Everyone. I've only been involved with inside919 for about a week now, and am really looking forward to finding ways to market my small business in a cost effective way (which is why I joined this group, LOL). Because I am a relatively new business, and the economy is not helping matters much, I am having to find new and innovative ways to get my name out there without breaking the bank. I look forward to getting to know you all! :)

Comment by Michelle Courtney Gower on April 5, 2009 at 10:04pm: Brooke, welcome! Please feel free to start a discussion at any time if you have specific questions you'd like advice on, feedback you'd like to receive, etc. Hope you find this group useful!

Comment by Brooke Wilson on March 29, 2009 at 6:42pm: Hey there. I am new to Inside919 and interested in marketing ideas and how to track marketing results. I own the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK moving franchise in Durham, and service the full Triangle area. Marketing is important to the successful growth of my business. I look forward to learning from and contributing to this group.

Comment by Michelle Courtney Gower on November 22, 2008 at 1:57pm: Pam, this would be a good discussion topic. Feel free to visit the 919 MadScience Business Lab group, join up and start a discussion on that over there as well.

Your point re: annual contracts is a good one.

One idea is to start making alliances with local furniture stores, and ask if they would allow you to promote your services there in exchange for your recommending furnishing purchases there with all your clients.

Another is to form alliances with people who service home interiors--remodeling contractors, flooring installers, kitchen and closet designers, carpet cleaners, anyone who also is pursuing homeowners as clientele. You will find many of those folks right here on 919--reach out and say hi, post a blog post here stating the types of alliances you are looking for, and have a brunch with some of them and see what kind of work you can pursue together.

Comment by Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID, IDS on November 18, 2008 at 11:00am: I have been in business for nearly 20 years. We recently moved here and have to re-invent myself. I feel very inadequate when it comes to marketing. I am usually bombarded with advertisers looking for me to sign annual contracts. I do not want to do business this way because 9 out of 10 times it is the advertiser who makes out! Since I am new to the area, how do I hone in on what is right for me?? Any ideas. BTW, I am an Interior Decorator!

Comment by Jerry Wilson on August 21, 2008 at 10:14am: I have never done much marketing but now I am in a position where I have to learn more about it. Its a challenge and so far I have enjoyed it. I look forward to getting some good tips in this group.

Comment by Dan London on July 14, 2008 at 2:12pm: Thank you!

Comment by Michelle Courtney Gower on July 14, 2008 at 12:06pm: I have disabled email for this group after seeing product sales emails distributed. My apologies to anyone who may have been offended by those emails.

As most of your know, this is not a group to sell your services, but a forum for tips and advice. Abusive use of this forum to advertise your services cannot be tolerated.

Comment by Alex Tutwiler on June 25, 2008 at 8:47pm: I would like to ask if someone used mail services, which one(s), if they were happy with the results, Etc.. That's one marketing tool I haven't used yet, because of the cost, and because it seems that the return on it is low. Any input?