5 rules of Marketing in a recession …
1. Track customer behaviour? - people don’t stop buying, they just buy differently
Research what is going on with your customers and your competitor’s customers and find out how the economic climate has affected their purchasing decisions. What are they doing or needing that is different from before and why? By understanding the barriers to the decision making process you will know what marketing messages to use to overcome them and how to create a point of difference between you and your competitors.
2. Embrace Innovation– adapt to current situations and be flexible. 
If customers are buying differently you need to anticipate this, be creative in your approach and adapt accordingly. Tough economic times are an opportunity to be innovative in your service and processes; finding new and slicker processes of delivery or communication to customers can save time and money for both you and the customer.
3. Be Visible - communicate so they know what you’re selling
It is important to keep communicating with existing and target customers to show that you identify with their needs, campaigns need to show that you identify with the problems that your customers face and that you value the customers that you already have. Use the communication channels that will give the best return on marketing investment.
4. Only make decisions that add value to your brand in the long term
The temptation to discount your products/services may bring in sales in the short-term but could damage the long-term profitability of your company. Be creative in looking for the opportunity to boost your sales without damaging your brand values and don’t be afraid to ask your staff and customers for suggestions on how to do things differently.
5. Measure the effectiveness of your campaigns
Make sure you know what is working, measure customer interest (via calls/visits/footfall, web traffic, social media interaction) as well as sales. If you don’t benchmark and measure, you’re marketing blind and won’t be able to adapt effectively to changes in your consumer’s behaviour.
If you need help with your marketing strategy, our team of marketing experts can help you call 01935 385907 for your initial consultation.