Marketing Your Business? – Your Local Bank Can Help!

Local Banks are wise to the fact that small and solo businesses struggle to find affordable ways of marketing their services or products.  It’s interesting to know, therefore, that many operate a “business pop-up” facility several times a year to give visibility to their clients’ businesses.

It’s worthwhile asking your local branch if they operate events of this nature – all that it will cost you is some time and a print run of business cards or A6 leaflets from one of the on-line sites.

My top tips would be:

• Be prepared to stand for a few hours at a time and don’t become despondent if nobody appears to be interested in approaching you, or if they mistake you for a member of staff.
• Place some leaflets on cashpoint and information stations within the branch – top these up before you leave at the end of the day.
• Work the queue using words such as “affordable” and if possible “free”.  Try to aim your pitch indirectly.  For instance “do you know of anyone who might benefit from”  takes away the emphasis of a direct question and makes your audience think not only about themselves, but others that they know.
• At certain times of the day, banks are full of disgruntled customers – I always try to target about 6 at a time.  You may get into conversations that detract from your aim but, rest assured, you are making a good impression and others will be more willing to engage with you as a result.
• Set up an incentive.  Everyone loves the word FREE – even if it’s just an hour of your time for the first 3 people who contact you or a competition to win some products/services.  Try to keep prizes relevant but interesting.
• This is also a great way to boost your email database – print out some sheets so that people can sign up for your competition.
• Display some laminates that show your product or service – visuals always create more interest.  Laminating costs less than you think and a cheap laminator is about £15-£20.
• On your own for the duration?  Laminate a sign that says “On a Break – Back Shortly” – it’s also worth stating “Please feel free to take a leaflet”. Even the most hardened marketeer needs a comfort break and a cup of coffee and you’ll be surprised at how many people prefer taking literature rather than entering into a conversation – you can still be marketing even when not manning your station, but it’s obviously more beneficial if you’re there in person.
• Use your social media to “tweet out” – the Bank will probably do this as well.
• Smile and be welcoming – it goes a long way!