Manizesto

Last part in a three part series

I’ve saved the last of my fifteen tips on how to market your small business on the cheap for the most creative, audacious and uninhibited ideas I could muster. If you’re looking for run of the mill, staid marketing ideas, you’ll have to stay tuned for an upcoming article, because this one isn’t it.

Here are the last, most creative five ways to market your business for less than $50:

11. Freeway overpass signs (legality may be questionable on this one). Get an old white - but not stained - sheet, or some old cardboard, and put your company name, tag line or web address on it. Then hang it from a highway overpass or walkway for commuters to see. Early morning is best to do it, according to FreewayBlogger.com.

12. “You can trust Gil” messaging. I have a friend named Gil, who, when getting his checks printed, asked the woman at the bank if he could include a customized message. The worker hesitated when he told her what he wanted, but eventually gave in, so that right above where his signature went, on every check, it read “You can trust Gil”, so as to put people at ease that his checks would never bounce. It was hilarious, subtle, witty and memorable.

Put something memorable or clever about your business on the checks you print; at the very least, include your company name and web address.

13. Two words: Sidewalk chalk. Even if it’s not good, if there’s enough of it, people will notice, although a masterpiece would be nice too.

14. Create personal ad or a “Missing” poster from your business. Write something up and post copies of it everywhere, or actually get it printed in the personals. Something like this would be great:

REWARD FOR MISSING $10,000

Description: 2.5” tall, 6” wide, very thin. Likes to be seen in large groups, has a distinct smell and greenish hue, may have appearance reminiscent of Benjamin Franklin or Ulysses S. Grant.

If found, please contact Manizesto Corp: xxx-xxx-xxxx or www.manizesto.com

Reward is free small business marketing tips (or whatever your product or service is).

15. Face Painting with your company logo (you know, like in sports). Why paint your face with another team’s logo while at a sporting event when you can paint on your company logo instead? Create instant wonder and awe (embarrassment?) with this never-before-seen tactic.

Bonus Ideas:

- Hire people to stand on the sidewalk and hold your company sign.

- Leave behind a company business card everywhere you go.

- Mime

- Pay someone $50 to shave your logo into their hair. Get the local news to come (believe me, someone out there will do it).

- Subscribe to Manizesto

Photo courtesy Mdezemery