New Internet Poll Reveals, 'Referrals Bring the Highest Small Business Marketing Return on Investment'

A recent small business marketing internet poll by MarketingBestPractices.com showed referral marketing to bring the biggest bang for the marketing buck. Over 36% of the small business owners who responded to the survey claimed that referral marketing has the highest ROI of any other small business marketing method.

(PRWEB) December 4, 2005 -- What marketing method do you invest the most time and money in to grow your business? Well, you may want to reconsider the best use of your time and finances if you aren't using the majority of your marketing budget in referral marketing.

In a recent survey conducted by MarketingBestPractices.com, the respondents resoundingly proclaimed that referral marketing gave them the biggest return on their dollar.

Of the 210 respondents in the survey, 36% advised that referral marketing gave them the biggest return for their marketing dollar. Given that referral marketing gives you warm, viable leads, this should come as no surprise.

This survey should cause all small businesses to stand up and take notice and redefine what their efforts are in the area of referral marketing.

The internet came in a very low second with 14% of the votes. Networking closely followed with 13% and direct mail was fourth with only 12%.

David Frey, leading small business marketing expert comments that, "This poll demonstrates the importance of implementing referral systems. Most business comes from referrals but only a very few small businesses actually have referral programs in place."

Here are some tips to help small businesses get more referrals:

1. Have a "referral mindset." Get in the habit of asking your clients or customers for referrals.

2. Partner with other local businesses who already market to your audience to share referrals.

3. Send referral cards to your customers and clients using www.SendReferralCards.com

4. Get out and meet people. The more people that know you the more referrals you'll get.

5. Be "referral worthy." Ultimately, people talk about companies that have exceeded their expectations.

Based upon this survey, you should reconsider how you are using your marketing dollar and start thinking outside of the box with referral marketing.

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