A ‘call to action’ is part of your website where you ask a reader to take some sort of action. It should be easily identifiable and should show your site reader exactly what you want them to do and how they will do it.

Buttons and graphics are usually used to point out clear, identifiable calls to action, and should direct site readers or users to the response you want them to complete.

Typical calls to action include;

• Click Here
• Buy Now
• View Demo
• Take The Test
• Call Today
• Join Here
• Sign Up
• Register Today
• Get It Now
• Get Instant Access
• Get A Free Quote
• Free Trial
• Subscribe
• Donate Here
• Get A Free Sample

Your call to action must be attractive enough and clear enough to encourage the reader to take the desired action.  But it’s not just about words – Clever use of colour and placement will also play a big part in a successful response.

Here are 25 examples of some of the best call-to-actions that are working for companies right now:

1. NCover

In this example, the large call to action button has been set in a dark orange color which creates a beautiful contrast with the surrounding contrasting background  and hence grabs the reader’s attention at the very first sight.

2. Hostgator

Hostgator uses the same contrast technique by setting the color of the three call to action buttons a different light orange with a dark font that enhances readability of the text. The reader can easily follow through to the different plans offered by Hostgator.

3. Firefox

The Firefox call to action button is unique and revolutionary. It is truly unique with its uneven shape and vibrant colors together with the details of what the user will get for responding on the button itself.

4. BlogJet3 – Coding Robots

The neat and clean call to actions buttons in this example show clear direction and ecourage the user to click. They have used a brighter color for the “Free Download” button as opposed to the “Buy Now” button; thus giving a subtle message to the visitor that they should try the product before actually buying it.

5. Go Daddy

In this example from Godaddy, the call to action button grabs the reader’s attention by using a bright green colour that is in stark contrast to the black background and grey accents.

6. Wufoo

Simple call to action buttons placed in the center of the web page against a busy background makes them all the more pleasing to the eye. This example from Wufoo shows good use of colour and placement to engage the user.

7. Hoi Moon Marketing

Hoi Moon Marketing does something unique for its call to action: there is no call-to-action button. They do it by just changing the text color to orange, showing the user what they need to click through. Check out the contrast it creates.

8. Disqus

Here see how Disqus makes a connection between the orange call to action button and a screenshot of their product; a comment system. This connection makes it easy for the visitor to visualize what they will get.

9. Goal Stacker

GoalStacker is another company that has placed a screenshot of its product alongside the call to action. The page is very simple, and the user has two buttons to choose from, encouraging visitors to sign up for their software or to take a tour.

10. codebase

In this example from codebase, the text that follows the call to action button explains that you can sign up for a free trial and that it will last for 15 days. This information clarifies exactly what the user will get when they click the button.

11. Amazon

In this example, Amazon uses a very clever and enticing call to action, using an arrow with the text “Click to Look Inside!”  drawing the visitor’s attention to flip though the book. The arrow coupled with an image of the ebook makes it one of the most compelling and intriguing CTA examples.

12. GoToWebinar

GoToWebinar places hyperlinks below their two call to action buttons to further clarify what visitors will get when they click. This tells the visitor exactly what they will get when they click the Calls to action.

13. Akismet

Akismet provides protection against spam and the CTA perfectly gets that message across to the visitor. By saying “SAY GOODBYE TO COMMENT SPAM”, it reinforces the message that Akismet will rid you of comment spam, and that is exactly what will happen when you click through.

14. FileShare HQ

In this example from Fileshare HQ, see how the big green button stands out against the white background and how the words “Start sending files within minutes…” creates a sense of a quick result for the user when they click through.

15. Elegant Themes

Elegant themes calls to actions are prioritized by creating a noticeable contrast between the buttons against a white background. Notice also the use of italicized text on the buttons to grab attention. 

16. Dropbox

Dropbox does it by cutting out the clutter. Their choice of color is great; everything on the page looks neat and clean, and their minimalistic approach exudes simplicity and ease of use.

17. Tea Round

In this call to action visitors are told that they won’t get any spam emails if they sign up, thus trying to break one barrier to people’s entering their email for fear of spam. Interesting also to note is the green color of the CTA used against the otherwise uneventful background, which makes the button prominent enough to be noticed at first sight.

18. Onehub

Sometimes you just can’t get them to try it for free (because they don’t want to or they don’t know about the product’s features). Onehub knows it and in an effort to not let you go they offer you to view the features before you leave.

19. The Resumator

This is another example of a great Call to action. The CTA button with a warm contrast color coupled with the large “Free Trial” text sits neatly against a calm and less busy background. Notice also the use of “No Credit Card Required” to reinforce the point that it is free.

20. Tao Effect

Here the three call to action buttons are placed in a row and give the users three, simple options; Download, Buy Now or Upgrade. They have been arranged such that the button with the primary preferred action comes first and is in a different color to make it stand out from other two choices. This is a good example of prioritizing by the use of order and color.

21. The Invoice Machine

The Invoice Machine uses CTAs which exactly look  the same with a blue border around both of them. From this we may assume that the company thinks that the act of signing up or taking the tour is equally important, and is an equal chance of visitors wanting to take a tour and those actually wanting to sign up for a free trial.

22. OH! Media

Here, OH! Media uses the position of the button together with the choice of the color, size and the text “See the Case Study” to make it a very clear and effective one.

23. Ballpark

Ballpark’s call to action has probably all the qualities ideal for a good CTA. The size of the CTA button with the blue color combined with the white space around it and explanatory text on and under makes it a great example.

24. Highland Fling 2011

This CTA from Highland Fling 2011 is interesting because it manages to call attention by its unusual shape and the use of an icon. Also, see how they create urgency by the use of the text which specifies the early bird and normal price for the event.

25. Aweber

Aweber’s Call to action is another great example of the use of contrast color set out against a sleek background. Note the use of the word “Just” to stress that the visitor will be paying a very little amount of money for the product.

Summary

In short, a call to action is designed to do the following;

• Engage
• Encourage
• Convince
• Simplify
• Direct
• Reassure

What else do you think is important for a successful call to action?

The term “guerrilla marketing” was reputedly coined by Conrad Levinson in his book “Guerrilla Marketing” which was published in 1983. Guerrilla marketing is an advertising strategy that employs low-cost unconventional means to promote a product or service.

Guerilla marketing campaigns often defy traditional marketing ideas and methods, and include strategies such as flash mobs, viral video campaigns, art, graffiti and more.
Smaller scale ideas such as personalized candy or cupcakes, fake publicity stunts, marketing Stickers on coins all go that extra mile to create a killer guerilla marketing campaign
The whole idea behind this kind of marketing is to achieve maximum marketing goals with minimal cost. Much like guerrilla warfare which uses unconventional warfare tactics like ambushes, sabotage and strategies of surprise attack guerrilla marketing employs the same tactics in the marketing industry.
It is an outside of the box marketing strategy that is completely different to traditional marketing.
With consumers becoming immune to traditional marketing ideas, small brands and larger brands alike are all considering new tactics to employ for their next killer marketing campaign. Sometimes these strategies can be much more cost effective and will attract a much better response, with the possibility of a campaign going ‘viral’
Most popular brands like Coca Cola, Pepsi, Ford, Samsung etc engage in this kind of marketing to strike the chord with their prospective customers. Here are 5 Killer guerrilla marketing campaigns I thought were worth a mention!

1. Coca Cola Friendship Machine

On 20^th July, Dia Del Amigo- friendship day- is celebrated in many parts of South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. In 2010 Coca Cola designed a huge vending machine to honor this day of celebration. This huge friendship machine was placed in different parts of South America including Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and the Honduras. Passers-by were offered two Cokes for the price of one. However, to reinforce the importance of friendship potential customers needed to collaborate with one another to reach up to the Coke machine slot. This campaign was also repeated in other countries for local versions of Dia Del Amigo.

 Source

2. Folger’s Steaming Coffee Cup

Folger’s followed the guerrilla marketing guidebook by creating an optical illusion of a coffee mug. As passers-by walk on the street they see a coffee mug fixed into the ground with steam being emitted in your direction: probably the best way to remind you about the coffee cup that you missed!

       Source

3. Medecins Du Monde’s Tent City

France’s Medecins Du Monde – a non-profit – directed attention to Paris’s homeless population by setting up tents for the homeless in a “tent city”. The huge cluster of tents shamed Paris into allocating emergency funds to address the problem.

      Source

4. Cingular’s “Dropped Calls” Campaign

If you are a cellphone user you have probably been irritated more than once when your call dropped in the middle. Following the true spirit of a guerrilla marketer they addressed the problem by positioning an unusual billboard with the word “calls” hollowed out and dropped to the ground portrayed a dropped call. Both the “dropped call” and the crazy billboard grabbed the attention of passers-by easily.

 Source

5. EMAP; 1Nation

Guerrilla marketing was at the heart of UK’s largest multi-platform media group EMAP’s radio station – 1Nation. A special 10 ft 1Nation figure was built and the area was surrounded with props and actors to suggest that the figure had fallen out of the sky and smashed through the ground. The stunt received much ROI.

These are only a few examples of how businesses take a leaf out of the guerrilla marketing guidebook. If you want to see the magic of guerrilla promotion you can find great examples here.

More and more businesses are looking to think ‘outside the box’ and employ guerrilla marketing strategies as traditional marketing becomes more and more expensive and less effective.

If you want to consider a guerrilla marketing campaign for your business there are specialized guerrilla marketing agencies who will do this for you. Kommando is a good example of a guerrilla marketing agency who can take a project from start to finish creating those attention grabbing ideas that get results.

If you are about to order your new business card WAIT!  Your business card could potentially be the messenger for your brand and a useful lead generation tool!

Image Courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Your business card is a very important part of your business branding process and it is much better to have no business card at all than to have a sub-standard, generic ‘contact details card’.
Think about how you can incorporate your company mission and make your business card stand out from the crowd to increase lead response.
To leave a lasting impression on your customers, you need to make your business card an essential part of your brand awareness campaign.
Here are six ways you can use to advertise your business with your business card.
1. Add a Call to Action on the Back:
The majority of people use their business cards as a means through which people can contact them. However, you can take your card one step further. Don’t just provide your contact details, give the receiver a great reason to get in touch!
“Log onto www.YourCompany.com for our latest discount codes and offers”
“Check out www.YourCompany.com for free coupons “

2. Make it Memorable:
Whenever you are handing over your card to a prospective customer, think about this: how many business cards does he have in his pocket (or on his desk) already? Why would he bother to remember yours in case he needs a service?
The answer: Make It Different! Make It Memorable!
Making your business card memorable is a great way of making a lasting introduction.
This quirky business card ticks all the boxes for trendy design and not making it just another business card in your wallet.

Image Credit: YourReactor.com

3. Advertise your Website and an Offer:
Use your card to advertise your website. Provide your site’s link on the card.
Also provide your email, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn vanity URLs.
For example, you can advertise your website through a free offer.
“Visit www.YourCompany.com/Youroffer”   to claim your free trial/gift of X”
While it isn’t a good idea to put too much information on your card, using the space on the back or a blank area somewhere and promoting a lead generating response is a useful way of promoting your products or services.

4. Tell People What You Do:
Don’t just include a logo and contact details!
Every business card you see will have someone’s name and contact details on it. A month later when they retrieve it from their pocket or wallet, remind them why they need to contact you and provide details of exactly what you do! Here is a great example from a radio presenter.

Image Source:www.adsoftheworld.com

5. Make Sure they are Standard Size:
Many people keep business cards in a set sized business card binder or holder. When branding your business and creating your awesome business card design, remember to keep it standard size so it is easy for them to store for the future. If not, people are most likely to leave it somewhere and forget about it or worse still, throw it away. Ask your printer for options.

6. Make Your Business Card a Tool!
You can even turn your business card into your brand as this awesome example from a personal trainer has done!

Image Source:www.quicksprout.com

#SUMMARY
Don’t forget, business cards are a very important part of your company image and branding. They needn’t be a huge cost and many printers offer pre-designed templates that you can use online.
If time is an issue and you realise you are low on stock of business cards or if you don’t yet have a business card and need one for that all important meeting in a few days, many business card printing companies offer Next Day Business Cards and some offer free business card templates and designs.

With so many creative options for your business card design, there is really no excuse for the generic piece of card of the past 50 years.Have you got a memorable design to share? Post a link and comment below.

Branding your business is a powerful exercise which, in itself can contribute to the success or failure of your start up. Your brand is essentially the voice and the identity of your business or company. If you want to a customer’s top choice you need to build and manage a powerful brand.
Of course, the most successful brands will have access to and employ top branding agencies, but for the majority of today’s lean start-ups, out comes the whiteboard and the notepad and pen for multiple brainstorming sessions! If you can afford to; always allow some budget to enlist the help of a professional who will help you make a seamless transition from a ‘business name’ to a household brand.
When choosing a branding agency to employ, ensure you ask for references and examples of recent work, together with an estimate for their services. If you are unable to afford the complete package, perhaps you could ask them to break down their costs and help with a specific aspect of the branding process.
In any event, you will need to do some homework before you start the branding process or approach a branding company to take on your project.

Essential questions to ask yourself include;

1. Find Out Who Your Company Really Is and What Makes It Unique:Why are you different to others? It is important to delineate what differentiates you from others in your niche and then go on to build your brand by emphasizing that competitive edge that you hold.

2. Identify and Understand Your Competition:
Another key factor is to research and understand the peculiarities of your competitors. Figure out what unique features you need to incorporate into your business to make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. See how you can identify your brand by pointing out the features you need to be unique.
3. Define How your Product Or Service Is Going to Benefit the Customer:
Point out how your product or service will benefit your customers. Make a list and develop it into a tagline. See how uniquely your product will serve your customers.
4. Identify Your Audience:
Find out the exact requirements of your target market how you can cater to their particular needs. Try to predict how they will feel about your product or service and what emotional response they will come up with.
5. Develop a Personality:
Will you be traditional, trendy, quirky, up to the minute, solid, strong, fast, cheap, luxurious? Whichever you choose, you will need to communicate this to the customer. Your product or service must reflect that personality throughout – you have to be consistent.

What to do next
In short your brand can be defined by answering 3 simple questions;
1) Who are you?
2) What do you do?
3) Why does it matter?
Once you have decided the message you want to deliver, you need to develop a name, logo and a tagline for your product or service. These three almost constitute the entirety of your brand. Your name should be unique and smart; your logo should be unique and it should reflect your product or service; your tagline should be easy to remember, offering a quick definition of what your product or service does or conveying its benefits.
In case you decide to seek professional help for building your brand, there are branding agencies that you can hire. Guerilla Communications is a great example of a branding agency to consider; they have vast experience in branding services, their website clearly shows a portfolio of recent clients and recent work. They look friendly and approachable and cover all aspects of branding, so you could select a specific aspect of the branding process as opposed to an entire branding package.

Is social media really important to your business? Is it a strong channel from which you can engage with an audience or does it simply  make no difference at all? Get the results from a consumer survey conducted in the US showing how social media affects shopping decisions.

Two key stats shared here instantly grabbed my attention –

1. 37% of consumers visited a brand using their mobile phone.

2. 73% said that Facebook contributed to their buying decision

This re-enforces my current business advice for local business owners that mobile marketing and Facebook business pages are essential for brand awareness campaigns and for growing audiences.

I know it seems there is much hype surrounding social media right now, but with the rapid integration of technology and business apps, it makes no sense to sit there dragging your heels or pretending it won’t affect your business or doesn’t apply. With over 55% of people ‘liking a brand on Facebook’ and 27% checking in from their mobile phone, it makes sense to integrate social media into your marketing strategy right away.

While I’m not saying you need to be on there every hour of the day posting offers and status updates, I think it’s really important to present yourself as a well rounded company and claim applicable social media channels and vanity urls and ensure your customers can find and reach you if they want to.

If you’re finding it difficult to keep on top of posting and updating your channels, try making a social media marketing plan – start with one post per week and gradually increase your updates as you become more fluent with your approach and your audience grows.

This infographic by empathica shows US consumer use of social media to make purchasing decisions.

Source: INFOGRAPHIC: How Facebook Factors Into Decisions On Retail Purchases, Restaurants – AllFacebook.

How are you using social media for your business?

Does your business engage and encourage social media during the transaction with your customers or are you still holding back and waiting for the social media hype to die down?

Using Social Media For business

So what are UK small businesses using social media for and how are they using it? Find out how from this infographic created by Sage.

This interesting research carried out by Hiscox has been turned into an infographic by Sage and presents some interesting statistics for Facebook, Twitter and Linked in.

Research shows how uk small businesses value social media as a part of their marketing plan and how they are using it to help build or strengthen their business.

Interesting statistics include;

• 27% of small businesses use social media to increase brand awareness
• 15% of small businesses use social media to boost sales
• 13% have their own blog
• 81% see the value of social media as a business tool
• 14% do not separate their personal profile from professional on social media
• 57% use social media to support their marketing efforts

Many of the figures show huge potential for small business owners to use the various social media platforms to build a loyal company following and increase their audience. With just 57%  currently using it as a tool for marketing and promotion, it shows there is potentially more scope and maybe even some untapped resources still left for small businesses on social media, especially from a local business aspect.

This infographic was produced by Sage UK

I was quite surprised to see that just 13% of those surveyed are using a blog for their business. A blog is an excellent way to communicate with your customers and can really help grow brand awareness online.

Interestingly enough, Facebook still seems to dominate the charts when small business owners were asked ‘where is your audience’ – I am not sure if this is due to lack of knowledge or experience on other social media platforms, or whether Facebook truly is still dominating the social business marketing arena.

I know many business owners who are exclusively using Linked in now for networking, recruitment and promotion, however these are mostly B2B businesses, hence the lack of casual interaction on Facebook.

Sage have also created a handy guide for your business to download free. You can get a copy here

Which platform do you tend to use most? Have you had huge success on Facebook and none on Twitter? Are you aware of Linked in for business or have you chosen not to explore another platform? Please comment below.

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This fantastic free to download guide contains 50 tried and tested business tips where Sage business experts and their customers share their unique perspective on what it takes to be successful in business.

Download your copy HERE

The guide contains everything from time management and planning through to employing staff and motivating them.

Sage recognise that every business owner is an expert. They also know that running a small business can be isolating, and have created a fantastic guide with 50 awesome tips to help business owners and entrepreneurs.

The guide contains first hand advice on everything from starting your business, keeping your finances under control and growing your customer base via e-marketing, through to helping you keep a healthy balance between
your work life and home life.

I am really happy to have been included in the Sage business guide.

Make sure you download your copy HERE.

Here’s my business tip as featured in the guide;

Encourage employees to focus on the company… not you

Although your intention is not to come across as a pushover, presenting yourself as an authority figure only opens up room for resentment between you and your employees. The key in such relationships lies in being smart and showcasing your ability to build a successful company.
During meetings make the company the focal point rather than you – using the company in the forefront will help employees feel a sense of belonging and a desire to seek the company’s best interests. Besides ensuring that your employees are strategically aligned with your company’s goals, it is equally important to provide incentives when the company has achieved a particular goal.
Motivating your employees is one of the business tips that will save you a lot of time, hassle, and frustration in the long run.

Here’s a little about Sage;

Sage create software and services designed for small businesses

• Over 800,000 businesses in the UK trust Sage to help run their business

  Sage have been helping small businesses like yours for over 30 years, so they know how important good, reliable software is for your business, and how much time you can save with the right software.

  Whether you’re a sole trader or an established business, you can trust Sage to help run your business. They pride themselves on easy-to-use software combined with world-class support. And you can rely on Sage to be there as your business grows – they will always there to offer practical advice and support.

  Find out more about Sage software for business

Looking for tips for your Facebook for business page? If you’re using Facebook for business, then this content marketing guide will help you create a content strategy that puts up page edgerank and encourages lots of new likes and shares.

The infographic is easy to digest and contains everything you need to map out and create your own Content Marketing strategy for your latest Facebook campaign.

If you want to digest it even quicker, I have outlined the Facebook For Business tips for you here.

#1 Your Post

• Under 3 lines of text
• Post 5 times a week
• Choose your days carefully and plan in advance
• Check your demographics for optimal time to post.

#2 Your Content

• Share exclusive and earlybird info to make audience feel in the know
• Write about current events and happenings
• Share links relevant info and articles
• Post images and photo updates of current projects

#3 For Your Fans

• Post specials and contests exclusive to Facebook fans
• Show off your brand – use keywords relevant to your image
• Positions your brand as a problem solver – offer solutions
• Go ‘behind the scenes’ show off your brand by sharing insider information

Facebook For Business – Source:Image courtesy of Wishpond

Summary

Do you have any Facebook for Business tips? How is Facebook marketing working for you? Do you have a content marketing strategy in place for your Business Page? Please share and comment below…

Successful Business Marketing Ideas On A Budget

Looking for thrifty business marketing ideas to promote your new products, services or new year offers?

Here 10 super simple yet effective business marketing ideas to advertise your business without spending a fortune!

Business Marketing Ideas. Image courtesy of Stuart Miles FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

 

Before you begin, even if you can’t afford something professional, you can set up your own website or blog if you don’t have one yet.

Using a blog for business promotion is an ideal way of marketing your business and you can easily share content and helpful resources from your blog directly to social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

If you can’t afford to pay a professional for building your site just go for some of the  free templates that are available on the internet( e.g WordPress.org). Your website should include all the information about your product/service and a clear way for customers to get in touch.

Make sure your website has an opt-in page so visitors can subscribe to your newsletter. Email marketing lists are very valuable and provide a direct way of keeping in touch with your customers.

Anyway, lets move on to 10 cheap business marketing ideas!

1. Get your business website listed in search engines like Google ,Yahoo and Bing.
2. Make sure that you include a description of your business on any online profiles or magazine / directory listings and also remember to include link to your website or blog.
3. Make use of social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn etc.  Your profile should include a description of your business, contact details and the  related keywords. Share your blog content regularly and encourage engagement.
4. Facebook allows you to create a business page to promote your business. You can post updates about your business, customer experiences, interesting news and offers on your page to encourage interaction with your page.  You can spruce up your advertising campaign even more by buying Facebook ads,but that means you will need to spend some money!
5. Share videos of your products and services on YouTube and other video-sharing websites. Try to make them as informative as possible. Make a promotional video to introduce your business. Focus on the unique features and benefits of your product/services. Provide a link to your website or blog.
6. If you don’t have a business card ready yet, get it ready now!  A business card is essential for promoting your business. There are even smart phone apps which you can ‘collect business cards on!’ Make sure your card has your address and a description of your products and services printed on it. Hand your business card to anyone you know: family, friends, friends of friends etc. Leave some with local businesses which you think fit in with your business theme or whose customers would benefit from your products or services. Offer to do the same in return.
7. Create an event that fits with your business. For example, if you are about to open a book-shop you can hold a book fare event that sells books at discounted rates. Here you can take the opportunity to spread the word about your business and also get new contacts.
8. Don’t hesitate to give information about your business or your innovative idea. Be strong and proud. Tell people your unique selling points; show them how you add value, tell people why you are better than others. Make good use of coffee chats and meetings to briefly mention what your business does, and see if you can generate leads or follow ups. You never know who your coffee buddy knows!
9. Write a summary about your business that best describes REAL consumer benefits and your UNIQUE offerings. Focus on what makes you stand out from the crowd. Send it to the local newspaper and other media outlets.  Try to focus on generating a story, as this will help you get featured Try thinking about how the reader will benefit from the article, for example  – ‘How your customer benefited from your product or service’ ‘How your business saved your customer lots of time and money’ Make sure you provide your address and contact information for follow ups.
10. Network! Attend seminars and events – many local business events are free now. Grab the chance to speak at corporate meetings and tell about your business. Offer free help and advice to the local school, college or university.

Summary

You can advertise your business easily and cheaply by following some or all of these steps. Use these low-cost business marketing ideas to promote your products/services. Contact relatives and friends. Arrange special events and reach people. Attend business seminars and meetings. There are so many cheap ways to promote your business – take time out from the marketing plan and choose one of these to get started on now!

Do you have any more tried and tested cheap business marketing ideas? Please leave a comment below.

Throwing your own event can be daunting, unless you work in event management! But for a lawyer, accountant, copywriter or baker it might seem out of reach. It’s actually easier thank you think with a bit of planning and help, and the benefits can be enormous. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Launch party

If you are just starting out in your own business, then you may consider throwing a launch party. This won’t work for all business types, so really think this through and sound out a few friends first. But if you do decide to go ahead, a launch party can be a great way to kick-start the business. Invite, friends, family and past work colleagues if appropriate. Ask them to bring at least one other person along. Whether you cover the full cost or charge a small ticket fee doesn’t really matter. But pick a good venue such as a bar, café or local park and put on some food, drinks and entertainment whether that is a local band, MC or picture slide show.

The two major benefits of this event: it gets the word out in a very tangible way about your new business, plus it also shows that you are serious and can help generate leads straight away.

Birthday Party

So you’ve been going for a year now, or five? Why not throw a Birthday Party for your business? This type of event follows all the same principles as the launch party above, but this time the focus is on the growth and success of the business rather than the start. You can mention any big wins over the lifespan of the business and thank key contacts that have helped you succeed.

The two major benefits of this event: you can thank people who have really helped you along the way, plus you can get some momentum going in the business again if things have slowed down recently.

BIG WIN Party

This is when you win a major job. So again, it might not be relevant for all business types but if you win a major contract you could consider throwing a party similar to the ones already mention but the focus is on the project win. You can give free publicity to the client (if they agree to me named) and you can show others that you are doing so well as to win this contract.

The two major benefits of this event: You can give free publicity to your client (if they agree) and you can show the world that you mean business!