Consider that the advertising industry is based on facts and figures. It is simple to find out what similar companies are doing to advertise their businesses by consulting an industry association, visiting local chambers of commerce, asking the reference desk clerk at your local public library and, of course, by using the Internet. There are several industry publications with facts and figures for nearly every type of business. Advertising agencies typically use Nexus Lexus, Nielson, online resources such as industry associations or by using search terms such as “top 20 widgets” or “best widgets” to find out about a new client they are about to promote.

After surveying the competitive field, conduct a short SWOT analysis for your business. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The quick version of this is done by making a list of similar competitors in your market and comparing their products or services to your own. Make a list of your product or service strengths and weaknesses versus theirs. Then, compare each item on your list and decide which areas are opportunities and what business threats your competitors may pose.

Additionally, taking your marketing and advertising plan to potential clients with a short market survey can be effective. In doing this, it is important to listen. Ask your customers what they like about your business and why they buy from you. Also, ask what they think you could improve. Be careful – do not make them think you will change your business model. Let them know that you will take all comments into consideration. Find out what is most important to them about your product and service. Better yet, find out what is important to them that your competition does not offer and use that in your next advertising campaign.

For more information about marketing and public relations, please contact Jeff Donnelley at (888) 760-4332 or jeff@760media.com. Also visit san diego advertising agency.

I still come to work excited every day. Ready for the next creative project, media plan or new business opportunity. I geuss you could say that I am addicted to this business. I never mind working late or on the weekends, I love chasing and landing new client accounts and I look forward to the symbolic pat on the back just as much as a check in the hand. Of course getting paid is always nice too. Don’t get me wrong…

Now that 760 Media is 10 years old, we will take all of our marketing, advertising, public relations and guerrilla marketing knowledge and build a set of streamlined tools and systems which will enable our clients to see exaclty how we maximize their budgets for optimal results and returns on their investment with 760 Media. Look out world, here we go again!

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Marketing your business during the fourth quarter can be stressful and confusing. Is it worth it to spend time and money on advertising or public relations this time of year? Or should you hunker down for the winter and come out with the groundhogs in the spring? Here are a few tips for developing a marketing strategy at the end of the year for your business.

Consumer businesses typically do their best this time of year. For many companies, the fourth quarter is the only profitable part of the entire calendar. Many have been planning for the holidays since August. They already have their seasonal ads and e-mails ready to go, banners made and gift baskets stuffed. But wait, that isn’t you? Well, don’t worry, there are still some last minute tactics that can help.

First, use your circle of influence. Friends love to see other friends be successful, especially during the holidays. Next, use your business cards as advertisements. Handwrite an offer on your cards and hand them out at parties. Of course, there is always the post-holiday sale. Everyone likes a bargain.

Some business to business companies believe if they’re not selling turkeys, TVs or iPhones between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is no reason to bother advertising. However, this does not mean to stop marketing. This time of year can be successfully used as a strategic planning and staging period for next year. I have found over the years that there are some clients who need to spend their budgets before the year ends. Some even book ahead for next year just so they don’t risk losing their funds. Holiday calls are a great way to reach out to old clients and new prospects to set appointments for January. You may use this tactic to survey your market and find out what customers want to focus on during the next year.

Online business is somewhat unique as cyberspace seems to have created its own calendar and it is always a selling season somewhere. Whatever you do, do not wait until next month!

For more information, call 760 Media at (760) 605-8133 or visit San Diego Advertising Agency.