MARKETING IDEAS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

As a small-business owner, you know that every dollar counts and you have to be smart with how you spend it. That’s why you added the NV200 Compact Cargo to your business. After all, the 2019 NV200 Compact Cargo offers a highly efficient engine with a combined 25 MPG fuel economy[[1443]] and, of course, America's Best Commercial Van Warranty (a 5-year, 100,000-mile, whichever occurs first, bumper-to-bumper limited warranty).[[1426]]

When it comes to your marketing budget, remember that marketing isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment. Many companies spend a lot of money on marketing and advertising but receive very little return on investment. The key is to fully utilize your marketing budget to its last dollar and to market smarter.

Here are nine ways to stretch your marketing dollar, so you can start seeing an increase in that bottom-line profit.

1. FREE PUBLICITY – The benefit is right there in the title — it’s free. It costs you nothing and it helps build brand awareness for your company. Look for opportunities to be involved in your community. Your NV200 Compact Cargo can help get the word out there about your business by showcasing your company name and contact info with eye-catching graphics.
   
   
2. SPEAKING EVENTS – Use your NV200 Compact Cargo and its terrific fuel economy[[1443]] to find local events and organizations where you can lend your company’s voice. Offer to share your knowledge and get exposure to new groups as an expert in your field. You’ll meet new customers too!
   
   
3. WRITE ARTICLES – Build name recognition by sharing your experiences in a newsletter, industry journal or on your own website.
   
   
4. CREATE A WEBSITE – In this day and digital age, you need a website. It’s a very cost-effective way to let people know you exist and what types of products and services you offer without demanding a lot of effort from potential customers. Just remember to have a competitive edge and you’re set!
   
   
5. BECOME MORE INVOLVED – Join committees in your industry or look at ways you can become more involved with the organizations you already work with.
   
   
6. ATTEND TRADE SHOWS – If you’re not ready yet to have your own booth, then at least attend trade shows in your field. This will help you meet with similar businesses, find out who your competitors might be and see what you can do to set yourself apart. Also, don’t be stingy with those business cards!
   
   
7. NETWORKING – The oldest trick in the book is still one of the most effective. People always do business with others they know. Networking costs almost nothing usually, but it is a commitment and a constant effort in order to be effective.
   
   
8.  CREATE A FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE - Having a strong Facebook presence can help you connect with potential customers and grow your business. And there are always new features being rolled out to help users find you.
   
   
9. WRAP YOUR VEHICLE - By adding a graphic wrap [[835]], you can turn your van into a billboard on wheels and advertise your business everywhere you go. It’s the gift that keeps on giving: the more places you go, the more visibility your business gets.
    

Just like our industry-leading warranty,[[1426]] marketing is crucial to your long-term success. Find cost-effective ways to get your name out there and plan strategically so each dollar you use for marketing has a purpose.

Nearly all consumers use the Web to search for local businesses — and most of them are on Facebook. So you can’t afford to ignore it as an opportunity to market your business. It’s easy to make Facebook work hard for your business if you know how. Ready to get social? Follow these simple steps:

1. Create your page
   
   If you don’t have one already, the first step is creating the Facebook Page for your business. This is your home base and where you will interact with followers, so make sure it reflects your brand. Use your business logo as the primary photo, and pick a cover photo that shows what your business does. Describe your service in a few short sentences, and keep your tone friendly. It’s social media, after all.
   
   
2. Build your fan base
   
   After your page is designed, you need to start creating a following. Facebook can help. With the “Build Audience” tools found in your Page’s Admin menu, you can invite both your Facebook friends and email contacts to follow your Page. You can also advertise your Facebook Page through traditional marketing on store signs, business cards, emails and anything else you produce for your business.
   
   
3. Start sharing
   
   As you’re growing your fan base, it’s time to begin creating and sharing content. You can share updates, photos, videos, promotions, etc. Your posts will show up on your fans’ main news feed, so try to make them interesting. The kinds of Facebook posts that get the most response are short and visual. But it’s a good idea to mix things up by posting articles or blogs that give your followers useful information too.
   
   
4. Post regularly
   
   Making regular updates is just as important as sharing interesting content. One or two new posts a week is a good start. Or, you can use Facebook’s “Page Insights” tool to plan when you share based on when followers are most active. Once you have a posting schedule, stick to it and keep your updates timely. It’s always good to post around holidays or other events relevant to your service. And don’t forget to respond directly to comments and private messages to create a dialogue with your followers.
   
   
5. Leverage friends of fans
   
   Just think of all the friends of your Facebook Page fans — that’s a lot of potential customers. Every time your fans interact with your page, their friends will see the activity in their news feed. So try fostering more interaction by setting up polls and asking questions that your fans will want to answer. Or, offer a small discount when fans “check in” to your business upon visiting. You can also create special events and limited-time promotions and invite your followers, who can then invite their friends.
   
   
6. Push Facebook ads
   
   If you have a website for your business (and you should), you can use Facebook ads to drive people straight there. Utilizing user data, Facebook can target your ad to people who are most likely to be interested in your product or service. It also features an analytics tool to help you understand which ads get response.

There’s no denying Facebook is a valuable tool for your business. So is your Nissan Commercial Vehicle. Get the most from them and take your business to the next level. For information about the rest of our fleet, visit https://www.nissanusa.com/business-fleet/fleet.html

Think about all the roads you'll be traveling during the holiday season in your NV200 Compact Cargo van. Branding your vehicle is a great way to grab attention. But more than that, it breeds familiarity. The more people feel like they know your brand, the more likely they are to buy from you or use your service.

A graphic wrap also helps build authority and trust with your customers. It lends a professional image to your business and shows that you’re serious and dedicated. It can even make your business look more robust than it is.

Having a branded vehicle could also lead to direct sales. Imagine all the stoplights you sit at where people can read your vehicle or take a picture so they can contact you later. You could also be approached for information when your vehicle is parked.

Good wrap design is key to your effectiveness. We’ve all seen the terrible designs that are hard to read or that look unprofessional. It can do more harm than good if your wrap isn’t done right. Here are some helpful tips for creating your graphics:

Consider your branding: A great wrap starts with a great brand. So before you spend the money on a wrap, think about your brand message. Make sure your company name, logo and tagline all work together — and don’t be afraid to be bold and different.

Think of your customer: Your wrap should be designed with your ideal customer in mind. So ask someone from your customer demographic what they think. Don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion but theirs.

Limit your copy: You only have about 2.5 seconds to deliver your message, so stick with three or four elements for your wrap: your logo, a tagline and your website address and/or phone number. Stay away from lists and focus on key takeaways.

Make it legible: For people to read your message quickly, it has to be easy to read. Avoid cursive and unusual typefaces. Keep it simple and make sure it’s also recognizable from a distance. Don’t ignore the rear.

Consider all the sides: While the sides of your van offer a lot of real estate for branding, most people will see you from behind. So be sure to get your message across there too. You might also consider utilizing the roof to make an impact from above.

Don’t know where to start? We can apply your wrap at one of our Nissan Graphics shops located throughout the country - just search for your nearest Nissan Business Certified Dealership here. We're happy to help give your business the gift of greater visibility this holiday season by wrapping up your NV200 Compact Cargo.

The Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo is ready to become the workhorse of your business. It’s up to the task of your big jobs with surprising cargo capacity, yet small when it comes to maneuvering through traffic - and smaller still when factoring into your monthly budget.[[1443]]