Some of the best marketing that design trade professionals can do costs the least. Some of the most powerful promotion costs nothing at all.

Business by Design this month has some ideas on how you can practice Million Dollar Marketing on a Shoestring Budget.

THIS MONTH:
+ Publicity, Presentations...and More
+ Take the "Price" Out of Promotion
+ Economical Ways to Attract Designers

PUBLICITY, PRESENTATIONS...AND MORE
The next time you think about dishing out megabucks for advertising in some slick trade magazine, think again.

Think, instead, of low cost, no cost strategies with which you can make a maximum impact for a minimal investment of money.

Think, for example, of writing and distributing articles and news releases about your business. Newspaper home and garden editors, TV news producers, magazine columnists, newsletter editors and others are desperate for the kind of news you can provide.

Think of presenting workshops for builders, commercial realtors, contractors, and other allied professionals, remodeling seminars, and adult education classes. Think of distributing an inexpensive monthly report - an email bulletin, perhaps, or an online newsletter - to those you seek to influence.

Finally, think of adding marketing messages to your email and voicemail, and including a promotional note on invoices, bills and everything else that you distribute.

TAKE THE "PRICE" OUT OF PROMOTION
It doesn't take much to effectively market your interior design, window fashion, kitchen and bath and other services. Consider these moneysaving marketing ideas:

+ Create a marketing "one sheet" listing your services, clients and career highlights. It's way cheaper than a pricey portfolio.

+ Offer marketing internships through local schools, in which students earn credit for assisting you with your website, and with various other marketing activities.

+ Ask manufacturer's reps and other vendors to "partner" with you by financially supporting your marketing efforts.

+ Approach a local newspaper about writing a column, or local TV and radio stations about hosting a show on design, home improvement, remodeling, etc.

+ Ask clients to make calls or write letters introducing you to their associates.


ECONOMICAL WAYS TO ATTRACT DESIGNERS
Showrooms and design centers spend big bucks to attract big name designers. They don't have to.

Here are some of the affordable methods I recommended to the Dallas showroom managers who attended my program entitled: "Get Designers in the Door …and Coming Back for More:"

+ Get Focused - Hold a customer appreciation dinner for 5-6 of your top clients. Seek their advice on how to attract and build lasting relationships with more high end designers.

+ Host "Bottom Line" Events - Offer programs on how designers can boost sales, increase fees, overcome price objections, get published, write better contracts, etc.

+ Become a Resource - Offer a "Designer Business Library." Make available tapes of your educational seminars, along with books on how designers can increase their business.

+ Create a Wall of Fame - Solicit testimonial letters from your top designers , and post the best ones on your showroom walls. Include others in a "brag book."

+ Reach for the Stars - Invite top designers to present programs at your showroom. Their involvement will draw plenty of other designers.

+ Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude - Poor staff attitudes and erratic showroom hours alienate high end designers. Commit to better customer service and a more regular schedule.