While doom and gloom is the pervading mood in the media. Its really not helping anyone. So we've put together this list of things we can do to increase sales that don't cost a fortune. We hope it'll be useful to you. We'll add more as we think of them, and we'll add your suggestions of things that have worked for you if you send them in to us at sales@balagan.co.uk!


1. Print the products you sell on the back of your business cards.
2. Carry your business cards everywhere with you. Hand them out to anyone who might be interested everywhere you go.
3. Create a tagline for your business and put it on everything you send out. On your headed paper, fax cover sheets & e-mails.
4. Join a trade association or organization related to your industry.
5. Have a draw for a product / gift voucher. Make sure that you use the entry forms to collect customers’ mailing addresses.
6. Create a brochure of services your shop offers – particularly if you are a working jeweller, aromatherapist or something of this ilk.
7. Develop a website to show your products, services and location. Use a memorable URL and include it on all marketing materials.
8. Submit press releases to the local newspaper, trade magazines or other publications.
9. Host an after-hours gathering for your employees and their friends & relatives, try to link this to a local charity for double exposure.
10. Provide free t-shirts or uniforms with your logo to your staff to wear.
11. Support a local charity or fundraising event, perhaps with a local award or sponsorship.
12. Use an answering machine to capture after-hours phone calls. Include info in your message eg business hours, location, website.
13. Get a memorable local or freephone number.
14. Place ads in local publications you know your market reads.
15. Advertise in creative locations such as park benches, buses, and popular Web sites.
16. Improve your shops signage.