Simple Marketing FAQs

Common questions about marketing

Any time you begin thinking of starting a business or refreshing your marketing and advertising for your business, there should be many questions in your mind. Here are some common questions and answers that should help you get started. Please let us know if there is a particular question that we might be able to help you with.

Email your questions to info@simple-marketing-strategies.com.

Back to the Basics

I have my business idea, but where should I begin?

Answer // The first thing you should do is outline a Business Plan for your company. In doing this you should consider all points of the business. Aside from the basics about the cost of running your business, this includes your product or service, who your audience or primary customers will be, and the easiest and most cost effective ways of reaching out to the prospective customers.

I have my business going, but how can I get new customers?

Answer // Getting new customers is the toughest part of running a business. In our world today, the most difficult part is getting customers to trust us and be willing to spend their money on our products or services. If this is a problem, try gearing your marketing efforts to why your audience should put their trust into you and your company.

My business has lost many customers lately, why is that?

Answer // This is a question many business owners are asking right now. We all know that consumer spending has been on a downward decline for the past three years or so, and our businesses have suffered from it. One option would be a customer survey. Try contacting customers you have served in the past and see if you can narrow down the cause. You can also offer more incentives, such as special offers or contests.

Return on Investment

How long will it take to see results from my marketing efforts?

Answer // Companies often see spikes in response, sometimes immediately after a new campaign is launched. Most successful marketing results will be seen gradually. You should plan to create a sustainable level of marketing for your business. Do not invest all of your efforts into a short term marketing campaign and expect to continuously see results. You should attempt to let your marketing campaign work its course and continue to reach your audience in an ongoing basis. In addition to this, you can consider "Grand Opening" announcements or special offer incentives to get a spike in response.

How do I know what type of marketing I need?

Answer // Research. Before you invest in your marketing, be sure to have thorough knowledge of the audience you are trying to reach, and then think of the best ways to reach those people. It all depends on who your target audience is and where you can find them. If you know where your target customers spend there time, then start there. Find out how you can get their attention in the places they most commonly spend there time.

Ad Agencies and Design Firms

Should I spend my marketing budget on an ad agency?

Answer // Many advertising agencies have access to resources and data that can be very helpful in marketing and many companies see excellent results from working with ad agencies. The plus side to working with these firms is that you basically pay one bill, and they distribute the money for you while you run your business. If you have the budget for it, an ad agency can be very benficial.

How much should I expect to spend on an ad agency or design firm?

Answer // There are many price ranges for professional agencies. Some agencies are only interested in clients with a budget of $100,000 and more. On the other hand, some firms specialize in budgets of less than $10,000. So depending on your budget, you should contact some firms to get some cost estimates and find out what they can do for you. Most will offer a complimentary evaluation of your needs.

What is the difference in a small design firm and a large ad agency?

Answer // The main difference is the resource capabilities the firms have to work with. Most large (full service) agencies have inhouse teams to handle all forms of marketing such as print materials, web development, media specialists, television production, and PR consultants. The smaller firms usually specialize in certain areas, and outsource work as needed.

If I choose to use an ad agency or design firm, how do I know if they are trustworthy and knowledgeable about the industry?

Answer // It is very important that you do research on any firm that you are considering doing business with. Do not rely solely on the testimonials they offer on their own website. Also, feel free to ask them directly about their experience in marketing to certain industries. A reputable firm will be willing to show you samples of work they have done to back up anything they tell you verbally.