Low-Cost Advertising to Rake in More Business

by Stacy Mooradian, Magnets.com

Every landscaping business is looking for creative, budget-friendly ways to grow their business clientele. Marketing your business on a tight budget can be challenging, but not if you choose your advertising wisely. This article highlights five shopping tips for finding a unique, low-cost advertising solution that reaches new clients, retains existing customers, and yields long lasting returns for your business.

Promotional Products: Are They a Wise Investment?

According to a study by trade organization Promotional Products Association International (PPAI.org): • 88% of people can remember the advertiser on a promotional product. • 85% of people do business with the company featured on a promotional product. • 91% of promotional products are used in the kitchen.

A promotional product, like a magnet customized with your business logo and contact information, is one of the best low-cost, highly effective marketing options. An advertising magnet is like a mini billboard when placed on your company vehicle, or on your client’s fridge. Magnets can be printed with handy reference information, like your phone number and website address. You can also use your magnet to provide expert lawn and home maintenance tips, or an exclusive discount code to inspire a client to call you. Another benefit of marketing with magnets is their longevity. People keep advertising magnets for a long time. You can test the long-lasting appeal firsthand. The next time you go to a friend or relative’s house, take a look at their fridge. Chances are you will see magnets from their local plumber, realtor, pizzeria or dentist. When you return to your friend’s house next year, there is a high probability that those same magnets are still on the fridge. Local business magnets are useful and can be a much better investment than a newspaper ad that gets thrown in the garbage after a day or two.

Five Tips for Buying the Best Promotional Magnets #1 - Shop at a reputable online store:

A reputable website should offer some value-added services that not only save you money, but also make your ordering experience easier. Here are some examples of free services you should expect when shopping for promotional products online: free custom artwork; free digital proofs; and no payment required until you approve your final artwork.

Just because you are shopping online doesn’t mean you won’t have questions. You will want to seek out an online business that offers responsive, live customer service. The customer service representative should be well-versed in their product offerings, able to make recommendations, and have the ability to provide a custom quote should you want one. Customizing promotional products, even for the first time, can be a seamless experience if you are working with a reputable business that strives to provide excellent customer care.

#2 – Look for E-commerce Sites for

Direct Manufacturers: There are some online stores that are simply resellers/ wholesalers. Why go to a reseller where you will pay a mark-up when there are e-commerce stores that are selling products they make in-house? Factory direct e-commerce sites, like Magnets.com and sister company, CustomizedStickers.com, are able to offer you the best prices on their custom magnets, vehicle decals and personalized labels because they are also the manufacturer. When you are working directly with a “Made in NJ” printing facility, you can expect more quality assurance, the very best price and little to no cost for shipping.

#3 - Read the Product De-

scriptions Carefully: When doing your competitive shopping, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. For example, with custom printed magnets, thickness and magnet strength matters. Look for a magnet that is far superior and meets or beats the price of the competition. If you want your customers to be impressed with the look, feel and overall quality of your custom branded magnet, you will want a fridge magnet with a standard thickness of at least 25mil. If you are purchasing a custom magnet that will be used outdoors, on a vehicle, or piece of equipment, you will want to make sure the thickness is at least 30mil, and the magnet has a special UV coating that can withstand all weather conditions.

When ordering any custom promotional product, ask for a free sample to check the quality firsthand before ordering. Examine the sample and test it. How does it look and feel? Does it feel sturdy? Does the print quality look good? If you will be mailing or shipping the item to your client, does it fit in a standard envelope? Remember, you are looking for the best quality at the best cost. After all, you must always represent your brand in the best possible light, and your customers will take notice. #4- Buy in bigger quantities: Shoppers of promotional products can get a lower price when buying in bulk. When the manufacturer is able to spread out their costs across a larger order, you should receive a lower per unit cost, too. It is good business to extend those cost savings to the customer. Stock-up and save! Not only will you save money, but also valuable time by placing just one large order each year, rather than two or three smaller orders twice a year.

#5 – Don’t be shy, ask about special

discounts: A great way to save money is to place your order when there is a special promotion being offered. Sometimes the promotion will allow you to purchase more without increasing your budget by more than a few dollars. However, if you do not see a discount advertised on the website, don’t be shy about calling Customer Service to ask if they can extend some extra savings. Oftentimes, they will be ready and able to help.

In conclusion, advertising is essential to a healthy, growing business. Reaching the most clients at the lowest cost is something that makes good business sense. Promote your business while maximizing your advertising budget with custom magnets.

Stacy Mooradian is the Director of Marketing for Magnets.com and has 25 years of professional experience in marketing, product development, e-commerce and licensing. For 25 years, family-owned Magnets.com and CustomizedStickers.com has been a leading B2B manufacturer of high-quality, custom advertising magnets, labels, stickers, and decals. The business is located in Jersey City, NJ, and a proud member of NJLCA. To request your FREE Landscaper Magnet Sample Pack, or to inquire about special discounts or a quote, please email Sales@magnets.com or call (866) 229-8237.