Page 83 - 101 Ways to Market Your Business

101 WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS

23 Use inflatable toys to build your business

This form of marketing is growing in popularity, especially
over the past two to three years as competition for outdoor
signage increases. There is no doubt that having an enor-
mous blow up dinosaur or clown or balloon on your roof
will attract attention. These novelties can be hired, once
again relatively inexpensively, in most capital cities. They
can be used for a grand opening, during a sale or for any
other celebration where you want to catch people’s atten-
tion. They can be particularly effective if your business is
located on a major road.

When you realise how much money can be spent on
advertising a sale, the novelty idea like the blimp can be a
very cost-effective addition to your marketing campaign.

Flags are also popular as they encourage a festive feel
to any event and can be seen from quite a distance away.

Blow-up castles are another excellent idea to help build
the atmosphere and they also keep the kids occupied while
Mum and Dad go shopping.

Unfortunately some balloons and inflatable characters
have been used a lot and they start to look very worn, dirty
and shabby. Before committing, try to see the inflatable
device set up to make certain that all is OK. Another point
to check on is local government regulations. Make sure you
are allowed to have an inflatable toy on display.

The best place to find these types of novelty items is
in the Yellow Pages under ‘Promotions’, or if you are out
and you see an inflatable product that you like, the number
will probably be printed on it somewhere. If worst comes
to worst, I would recommend walking into the shop being
promoted and ask them where they hired the inflatable
from.

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