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Lobby Marketing Mix topic #403

Subject: "Any suggestions on how to market monument company?" Previous topic | Next topic
heartfeltThu Apr-19-07 04:51 AM
 
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"Any suggestions on how to market monument company?"


          


Hi everyone. I started a retail store for granite and bronze monuments and memorials. I did the research in the area and the closest competitor is 45min to 1 hr away. I have met with the funeral directs, since they are the first line with families for headstones. I have place an add in the local paper which runs in the obituary section. Any suggestions on how to market my company more? I have been in business for a month and a half, and have only made one sale. I'm not giving up, because I believe in this company!! I would just like some suggestions on what more I can do to generate sales.

Thanks for reading!

Tina Sokolinski
Heartfelt Monuments & Memorial

Together let's tell a story of a life lived.

  

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Replies to this topic
Subject Author Message Date ID
RE: Any suggestions on how to market monument company?
Apr 20th 2007
1
On the topic of Press Releases...
Apr 22nd 2007
2
RE: Any suggestions on how to market monument company?
Apr 24th 2007
3
RE: Any suggestions on how to market monument company?
Apr 29th 2007
4

promozFri Apr-20-07 03:31 AM
 
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#1. "RE: Any suggestions on how to market monument company?"
In response to Reply # 0


          

Generally speaking, most people don't consider the monuments or memorials until they're needed.

Therein lies the uniqueness in trying to market the product to your customer base.

You've been in contact with funeral directors, which is good. These will be your business allies. Continue to work with them convincing them on the benefits of partnering with you. Another idea might be to partner with the cemeteries.

If you haven't done so, create some quality brochures that show off the beauty of your monuments and memorials. Have them available as a marketing tool and use them whereever you go.

Consider partnering with a funeral home and conduct classes for the local community on funeral preparations and why it's important to plan ahead of time, instead of dealing with the details during their time of grieving. Offer prepayment deals.

The pet memorial is a big thing, which is starting to gain huge momentum. Market this to stores like PetCo, Petsmart, etc. Also, visit locals vets to promote it too.

Hope these help you in creating other ideas in marketing. It seems to me that you're in the education business as you educate your target market on the need for your product.

Press on to Success,

Jeff
===================
Make a Lasting Impression!
http://www.Custom-Business-Promotional-Products.com

  

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PepperfireSun Apr-22-07 07:05 AM
 
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#2. "On the topic of Press Releases..."
In response to Reply # 0


          

One of the best things about Press Releases is that they make it out into cyber space, they get picked up and newsreaders all over the web, looking for the content in your Release, pick it up and publish it, for free. What could be better?

Real publicity.

If you're looking for SEO, then Free Press Releases are the way to go.

If you're looking for Press... spend some cash or do it right.

What do I mean by that?

I use Press Releases regularly, in fact, when I finish dealing with my mail today, I have several to write, and if all I need to do with them is create SEO, I release them for free. I also send every press release I write to a list of companies who may or may not do something with the press release... And I might add, I NEVER follow up on the press release, why? Because if the media you sent your news release to agrees that your news is worthy, they will contact you.

How did I create my list? It was easy. I made a list of all of my local newspapers and found out who the contact person is for Press Releases, and what their preferred method of contact is; some like email, others like fax, others only want snail mail. I added to this list, industry specific newszines, magazines, ezines, etc. If one of them picks up my news, they will contact me and my news will hit the real newswires. By the way, it is imperative to keep your list up to date, even if you only have news once a year.

If on the other hand I need the news to be picked up by the serious newswires and don't want to count solely on my media list, I pay for service on PR Web or I will hire a PR firm who has a good media mailing list to do it for me.

Never skimp on real news. Your company will thank you for it.

That said, if you don't know how to write a press release, learn. If you can't learn and it's important, pay someone to write for you. There are copy writers all over the country who write brilliantly. I'm sure I've seen one or two posting here at IC, too.

As for PR Web not being free anymore, that's, I think, the wave that Free PR is taking. So watch more and more free sites become pay per use as time goes by.

In the meantime, here are some other sites that were still valid the last time I sent out a press release (January 2007):

http://www.free-press-release.com

http://www.prleap.com

http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/

http://inewswire.com

http://www.pr.com/promote-your-business

http://www.transworldnews.com/signin.aspxref=sn&ReturnURL=PreSub.aspx

http://www.epressreleases.org

http://www.articlemarketer.com

Definitely check out Michele's press release site. It is a simple resource with some helpful insights into writing and issuing press releases. There are better sites out there, since Spread the News is really designed to sell you the newspaper contact information. It will save you some time. Although, if you're a cheapskate like me, or running out of cash flow when it comes in, like most starting business owners, it's cheaper to just walk down to your newsstand and read the editor's box on page 2 (generally) of every newspaper on the rack. I also recommend simply googling the words: "write a good press release" and you'll find some more resources like Spread the News that will help.

Good luck to you.

Oh, and say... Cyberhost, if you're reading... It's the one thing I personally find missing here at IC... a place for the regulars to post their press releases.

T

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!

  

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iwsTue Apr-24-07 03:40 PM
 
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#3. "RE: Any suggestions on how to market monument company?"
In response to Reply # 0


          

Check with your local area insurance companies. See if there is a way you can get a list (even if you have to buy it) of people that have purchased burial insurance and life insurance in the past 6 months. You may consider a joint venture with the insurance agents that will benefit both of you.

Ocha

Website:
http://www.potpourriemporium.com
http://www.infoesource.com
Blog:
http://www.potpourriemporium.blogspot.com

  

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StrategistSun Apr-29-07 09:18 PM
 
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#4. "RE: Any suggestions on how to market monument company?"
In response to Reply # 0


          

How about... priests, pastors, etc.

How about hospices, urgent care retirement centers and the like?

Cancer centers, etc.

Investment advisers, CPA's etc, health professionals that deal with people who are retired or elder care.


What you have to do is write a list of who has your ideal client. In your case it's a little morbid even writing this, but some of the traits of your ideal clients is that they are either family members of those who are very sick or dying. OR they are very smart older healthy folks who are planning their funerals. (my aunt did that)

Maybe do a class on headstones? i.e. the types of; what should go on them; etc.

Just a few things that come to mind.

Maria Marsala

Let me help you substantially grow your financial advisory business or nonprofit with P.E.P. Increase productivity, efficiency, and profit.

Learn more and get free tips at http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com

  

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