"Where Did You Hear About Us?"

"Where Did You Hear About Us?"

Want to know how to get more customers to call you? Start by finding out how the customers you are getting now found you.

Whenever someone calls with an inquiry, I ask, "Where did you hear about us?" By doing so, I am able to track what I'm doing that is generating new business. Did they find my web site through a search engine? Was my book mentioned in a magazine? Did they hear me on the radio? Did a friend refer them? 

Key any ads you run so you know which issue of which publication (or which broadcast) brought you results. You may use a department number for mail orders, or a name or extension number for phone inquiries. I also do this for my publicity efforts. For example, when I get a booklet order to "Dept. S502" I know the customer found me through a mention in the Bottom Line Personal newsletter.

There is another benefit of asking "Where did you hear about us?" Sometimes, I learn about a publicity feature I didn't know about, or a new web site linking to mine, or a place one of my free articles has been used. For example, I knew that my book, "The Mystery Shopper's Manual," was prominently featured in the June, 2001 issue of Black Enterprise magazine; however, it wasn't until a customer called (and I asked, "Where did you hear about us?") that I learned it was mentioned again in the November, 2001 issue.

Once you know what works, do more of it. And, do less of what doesn't work. That will allow you to maximize your success while minimizing your effort and expense.

You'll find lots of great information on growing your business and more at http://www.freearticles.biz/. Most articles may be freely reproduced at your web site or in your print or online newsletter.

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Advance permission is not required, but a copy of your publication is appreciated. Please send ezines or web links to cathy(at)idealady.com. (Substitute the @ for (at).) Print publications may be mailed to 4646 Hwy 6, #123, Sugar Land, TX  77478.  Thank you!