You are probably thinking “merchandising” and if you are offering a service may feel this is not for you. Don’t dismiss it just yet, read on!
Merchandising is the way you present your product or service, in whatever media you choose. It is all about making a favourable impression on your prospective customers or clients and influencing their buying decision by building excitement.
Get passionate about what you are offering and let that come through in every situation.
Here’s a few tips.
- Research your market. Look at what your competitors are doing and also people who are not competitors but are doing things really well. Can you take anything from their promotional activity and adapt it for your own product or service?
- Consider developing a Voucher Scheme. By doing so you can promote your special offer “20% off, buy one get one free, 1st hour consultation free”. Have a date clearly visible when the voucher must be redeemed by.
- Demonstrate how wonderful you are. Use client testimonials to reinforce your offer. Real people endorsing your product will be far more effective than you doing do!
- Make your offer irresistible. Find out what your customer or client wants and match your product or service as far as possible.
- Under-promise and over-deliver. Remember, it is not possible to do this all the time but whatever you do, don’t over-promise and under-deliver or you will be in grave danger of losing business.
- Get customers to switch suppliers. Find out what they are currently being offered by their existing supplier and look for ways that you can match that offer and add further value.