Marketing on a Budget: Get Involved with Local Events

Marketing on a Budget: Get Involved with Local Events

As summer approaches we are seeing an increase in repair shops advertising local events they will be attending. Not in the crowds, but standing proudly at a booth showcasing their services. We are launching our new "Marketing on a Budget" series with this promotional move that has stood the test of time. Way back to the old days of the early entrepreneur pulling a wagon into town to show off his magical elixirs, getting in front of the community you are selling to is priceless. You already know what word of mouth has done for your business, so explode that opportunity by setting up a booth at a community based event this summer. Opportunities start as low as $200 in some areas.

Just imagine all the people walking around with broken screens! Whether it's music, food, culture, or holiday related, these summer events bring out the masses in your local area. The growing rebirth of the weekend Farmers Market also provides an amazing opportunity to meet the people in your neighborhood, and most will allow a small number of businesses to showcase a service or product. The ultimate trick to gain maximum acceptance at these events is to provide a solution rather then to just be a live action billboard advertising your service. Turning your booth into a charging station will instantly make you a hero to all those in attendance, even if you find yourself in a situation without electrical hookups, mobile power stations will save the day for many panicked charge challenged event goers. Talk to the event producers and see if you can set up some additional small signs with arrows to the "charging station". They want people on their devices sharing pics and updates across social media about their event, so talk to them about how far you can push this concept. Make the idea beneficial to their event and you may be surprised how wide the doors open for your presence.

Some additional thoughts as you plan this summer promotion:

• If you have a mobile repair business, in which you are used to meeting back up with customers, advertise a drop off service at the local events you will be attending. Use your social media reach to get that message out there.
• The absolute ultimate concept would be the onsite repair center at events. Sounds like the ideal move of course, but be prepared to have 2 or 3 technicians and proper space to do so. You are going to have foot traffic and you want to focus on those opportunities to create a relationship with members of you community. If your head is buried in diagnosis, repair and invoices all day, you are going to miss those prized moments of making personal connections. Also, you think a fallen screw is hard to find at the shop, just imagine combing through grass or gravel for it.
• Display a variety of cases for iPhones, iPods, and Androids. Offer something for those not in need of repair services too. You will see the return on the investment quickly through high margin accessories. If you are in a pinch for space, pick up a bulk accessory acrylic container set.
• Lastly, enjoy the experience! Support and celebrate your local community.

Stay tuned for more low cost, high return ideas to increase awareness of your business this summer. Please feel free to share with us your own success stories.