Crossbow Studio

Here are ten items we believe are critical to marketing success.

1. Research- Begin by talking to your current clients - real heart-to-hearts. Find out what services of yours are really working well for them and which ones may not be. It's a win win situation. You get to learn more about how to sell your services to prospective clients while, at the same time, course correcting any problems with your current customers. Next, take a look at your competitors. What are they doing that you're not? What are you doing that they aren't? This will help to better separate your company from the rest of the crowd.
2. Plan- Now that you've done your research, use what you have learned and write down your objectives. What image do you want your business to portray? Decide on your target markets. Your company probably works with more than one kind of customer, so break down your targets into smaller categories. You will want to speak to each of them slightly differently. Set objectives and a budget. Hire or create a team to implement plan. This team can be made up of enthusiastic people in your company and/or the creative minds at Crossbow Studio. Either way, you will want a team of thinkers and doers to make your advertising/marketing campaign unique and successful.
3. Focus On The Customer- The point of marketing is to reach your customers so, PAY ATTENTION TO THEM! Bring to their attention the aspects of your company that really make sense for them. Be reliable and friendly. Remember, people like buying from friends.
4. Be Passionate- The only way you'll get a customer excited about your product or service is if you are excited! If your team isn't inspired and enthusiastic, get a new team.
5. Get Creative- Look at your marketing campaign from multiple angles, talk to others about the campaign, mix up your media (direct mail, video, website, give-aways). These will add life to your marketing campaign. Take risks. Remember, risky campaigns are normally the ones people remember!
6. Be Concise- Know what you want to say and say it! These days no one is interested in reading a long ad about your company no matter how fascinating it may seem. If you want to get your target market's attention, grab it quickly, hold it for a few seconds, and they will be more likely to remember it.
7. Be Consistent- What company do you think of when you see a golden arch? The reason why companies like McDonald's are so successful is that they keep their marketing consistent. The idea is to help people register with certain characteristics such as colors, slogans, and logos. Keep it consistent so even if someone is driving 65 mph on the highway and cannot read every word on your billboard, they will know it's yours.
8. Measure Your Performance- What's the point of marketing if you aren't getting more business? Keep track of your new business and see if it's improving your bottom line. If it isn't, go back and do more research. Marketing, when done correctly, should have significant positive results.
9. Maintain Positive Relationships With Your Clients- Did you know that keeping a client is 5 times less expensive than trying to get a new one? So, not only is keeping a client happy good for a company's image, it's also cost efficient. Keep in contact with your clients even after the project is completed. Send notes thanking them for their business and drop a phone call or email every so often just to see how they are doing. Common courtesy will keep you on your client's mind and when they need your service, they'll think of you.
10. Get Your Name Out There- Order plenty of business cards use them. Go to events. Understand who your "influencers" are and how they can affect your business. Valid information will help your company to become trustworthy in the eyes of your potential customers. Use variable media. (Don't forget to include your company's name and either a phone number, email address, or a website address.)