The holiday season is approaching, and before we know it another year will have passed. This is the time of year when many business owners look to the year ahead and start to make some plans. Support issues tend to drop off a little at this time, as users are typically focused on parties. So now is a good time for this kind of forward planning.<\/p>\n
Here are five completely FREE ways of marketing your MSP business in the next 12 months. Try to implement at least one of them, as you have\u00a0nothing<\/em>\u00a0to lose by doing so.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s fair to say that Facebook and Twitter are finding new ways to monetize themselves, it\u2019s still perfectly possible to take advantage of these platforms to promote your business at no cost at all.<\/p>\n It just takes a little effort: You must work to get \u201clikes\u201d and followers, and then ensure you keep people engaged with informative content and perhaps some promotions and offers. At the very least, this consistency will keep your brand visible \u2013 for free.<\/p>\n \u201cExploit\u201d sounds like a nasty word in this context, but you should never forget that your existing clients always have the potential to provide you with extra revenue.<\/p>\n If, for example, you\u2019ve got a selection of clients who all use different Internet security software, then get them all moved onto your preferred solution, which should be a solution that pays you a good percentage every time they renew. Really successful businesses thrive because they master the art of up-selling and cross-selling.<\/p>\n Technology is all over the news these days. It\u2019s not always for \u201cgood\u201d reasons, but every mention of technology in the headline news gives you an opportunity to remind clients that you are their \u201cgo to\u201d expert.<\/p>\n If, for example, you\u2019ve not been taking advantage of all the recent cyber crime stories by selling encryption products or security advice, you\u2019ve not been making the most of what is, essentially, free advertising.<\/p>\n Are you one of the many business owners who despise networking? If so, it\u2019s easy to back away from it once your company gets busy.<\/p>\n However, if you want to keep your business growing, you should be \u201cgetting out there\u201d and meeting new contacts. Try to go to something once a month \u2013 a networking breakfast or a local business forum meeting. It could prove to be the place where you meet your next major client.<\/p>\n Why market your own business when you can get others to do it for you? Consider starting by encouraging your happiest and most long-standing clients to\u00a0introduce you to some of their business associates. You could even offer them a small incentive (such as a discount on their own invoices) for any successful introductions.<\/p>\n Above you have five ideas \u2013 and they\u2019re all free. Which will you implement as you move into the new year?<\/p>\nFrequent the social networks<\/h3>\n
Exploit opportunities with existing clients<\/h3>\n
\u201cPiggy back\u201d on the news<\/h3>\n
Get networking<\/h3>\n
Encourage referrals<\/h3>\n