Publicity and Marketing for Small Businesses As A Whole?

Remember those "Got Milk?" commercials? At the end they would say, paid for by the dairy farmers of America.

I have been thinking for a longtime now, that there should be a marketing or publicity campaign that benefits small businesses as a concept in the minds of the public.

Corporations as well as factories have money and resources to send expensive quality-content directly to our customers now; I find it difficult to compete with Zara, selling similar-quality items as my store for lower prices, or Chinese factories selling their wares directly online using Facebook ads. (Yes this is real, I have clicked on it and have heard from customers they click on these ads as well!)

I ask myself, why should my customers shop at my store? I have many lovely folks who say to me, "I know I could get this in the city, but I would rather give you guys the business." This is so great, but not something I can rely on; when it comes to money in your pocket, not everyone has the luxury or perspective to shop with these community-oriented values in mind.

What if there was a way that we could campaign as a group to let our customers understand that when they shop small they are contributing to their local economy, their communities, and to independent small businesses existence? They are contributing to variety in the marketplace, to unique and interesting places lining their streets, to a marketplace with more tailorable and varied options, and of course, to businesses that will treat them like people because they are run by people? Maybe a subway ad, a bus stop ad, a magazine advertisement? Something where we would all benefit ?

Or perhaps to start smaller you could print a tote bag to distribute to retail partners, a postcard that sits in front of your shop, something with a message backed by real businesses.

Just a thought I wanted to share before it gets replaced by another thought : )

Xenia Viray at Myths of Creation

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