subject: How local business can use direct response advertising to boost sales? [print this page] How local business can use direct response advertising to boost sales?
When you decide to promote your products and services to prospective customers across the world, you need to select the right media to advertise and promote your business. A lot of money is spent on advertising and each penny should be spent wisely. The main aim of advertising is to get the most return from the investment. Advertising campaign should be planned in such a way that it leads to greater sales and more profits.
There are a number of ways to promote your business and reach your target customers. You want your advertising to be effective. Advertising should not just reach the customers without you as a manufacturer getting to know their response. You should be able to know the expectations of the customers from you.
Direct response advertising is a tool used by businesses to promote their products and services. It is not like traditional advertising. Direct response advertising is different as the potential customer is approached in such a way that he/she is required to reply back immediately and directly to the advertiser. The feedback is to be given by a device which is provided in the advertisement.
These direct response mechanisms or devices include:
1. Coupons: Customers will be required to cut the coupon and mail it back to the advertiser within a specified period of time.
2. Business reply card: Advertisers promote their product or service and accept the customer to reply to the letter. A business reply card is usually a postcard which can be sent back without any postal payments.
3. Toll free telephone number: A number where customers can call to get answers to their queries.
4. Internet: The customer and the business can be connected with each other.
5. Hotspot: A symbol, icon or picture hyperlinked which the customer only needs to click on.
Traditional advertising has the ability to reach a large audience at a cheaper price. Per unit cost of advertising is low. But even after reaching a large audience, you do not have the opportunity to get the customer's feedback and know what the customers think of your product.
When you start your business, it is advisable to do a sample survey. A sample survey assists you to find out how your product is and how well it will do in the market. You have an idea of how much you will be able to sell.
This makes it easier for you to take decisions such as price, number of units you need to produce, your target market. Direct response advertising will also do the same thing for you.
Direct response advertising helps you interact with customers in a better way. Customers can respond to your advertisements and tell you what they feel about the product. This helps you understand their demands and expectations clearly.
You can modify your products according to the needs of your customers. This will boost your sales and you will be able to sell more units of your product. Since you are reachable, customers will prefer buying products from you rather than other manufacturers.
