Here’s a marketing success story about the little company that could. Have you heard of the Orabrush? This company spent $28 – that’s right, $28 – to purchase Facebook ads targeted at Walmart employees in Arkansas. They said, “Walmart employees have bad breath. Walmart needs to carry Orabrush. It will sell better than anything in your store.” What’s fascinating is that these $28 ads sold BETTER than the typical $20,000 print ads placed in retail trade magazines. Within 48 hours of launching the Facebook ad, a Walmart manager got an email from the Walmart buyer, and before you know it, Walmart placed an order for 735,000 of the Orabrush tongue cleaners. Before this, Orabrush was known for its 39 million views of its funny YouTube videos. In fact, consumers who saw the character of Morgan The Tongue on YouTube led the company Boots in the United Kingdom to place an Orabrush order. The moral of the story? Use Facebook and YouTube to your advantage. It’s a brave new world out there for marketers. I say this as a Boston-based marketing and public relations consultant for plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, and hair and skincare salons. Contact me at Maxima Marketing at (781) 407-9305 for a free consultation.

Here’s today’s marketing tip. Every marketer knows that magazines and newspapers have an editorial calendar listing their timely stories. What’s new is that now, companies such as Weight Watchers, Mercedes-Benz and Nestle’s Purina are borrowing from the world of publishing, and creating their own editorial calendars, to determine where and how they distribute content in social media. For example, the Mercedes-Benz calendar has three sections. One is related to car launch dates, innovations, safety and design; another that shows dates of all of its various events, and a third that showcases important dates in Mercedes-Benz’s history. This way, companies such as Mercedes-Benz can keep their fan base – and their Facebook fans – fully engaged and informed. For the small business person, it means that you, too should organize your information into seasonal and monthly calendars where you can divulge your information to new and prospective customers. This is a no-cost, low-cost marketing strategy that only requires creativity, not cash. Don’t miss out on opportunities to engage with consumers about limited-time sales, new products, and news about your company! I say this as a Boston-based marketing and public relations consultant. Contact me at Maxima Marketing at (781) 407-9305 for a free consultation by visiting my website.

Here’s today’s marketing tip from the Queen of Creativity at Maxima Marketing. What’s in a name? Shakespeare said even a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. But there’s much to be said for the name of your product or service, and product naming companies across the country would tell you that. The actor Ben Stiller has a new foundation, whose goal is to support children around the globe with educational initiatives. Mr. Stiller wanted a catchy name for it. He thought of all kinds of options including So You Think You Can Donate, and The Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good and Wanna Learn To Do Other Good Stuff. Those are terrible names. And he knew it. So, like any good marketer, he tried to think of a name that would entice and attract people to his website. A name like…..well, actress Jennifer Aniston. But he didn’t leave it at that. The new name of his foundation is – are you ready? — SeeJenniferAnistonNakedFoundation.com. Check it out and you’ll wind up on the real Stiller Foundation Facebook page. Clever. I say this as a Boston marketing consultant and publicist. I work with businesses in all industries but specialize in marketing and PR for plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, hair salons and skincare salons. Call me at (781) 407-9305 for a free 15-minute consultation. Ask me for some Off The Wall Marketing Ideas, which also happens to be the title of my bestselling book available on Amazon.com.

Here’s today’s marketing question — How do you feel about the marketing of the king in Burger King’s advertising? No matter, he is now long gone, thanks to the new advertising agency that has created a new marketing campaign for the fast-food company. After seven years of marketing commercials such as the Whopper Freakout, and Chicken Fries and Flame cologne, the fast food chain believes it’s time to get back to the real deal – the food. In the new advertising spots, Burger King offers close-ups of avocados, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. The verdict? Well, most people believe the new ads are boring and could easily be an ad for McDonald’s, Red Robin or Applebee’s. Which brings us to the first rule of marketing – always make sure to concentrate on your unique selling points, which help you to differentiate yourself from the competition. I say this as a Boston-based marketing consultant and publicist for plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, hair salons and skincare salons. Call me at Maxima Marketing at (781) 407-9305 for a free 15-minute consultation. I’m also the co-author of the bestseller, OFF THE WALL MARKETING IDEAS, which is filled with hundreds of marketing strategies and tips, many of which are no-cost and low-cost.

One of my favorite ways to market any business is with – are you ready? M&Ms candies. These colorful little bursts of chocolate, in a colorful candy shell, can be imprinted with the name of your business, your phone number, message, logo, and even a small photo. Isn’t that downright clever? There’s a rainbow of 25 M&Ms colors that you can select, and the packaging for them includes small tins and even business-card holders that can hold your business card and be used again by the recipient. I’ve personally used these adorable M&Ms to publicize my bestselling book, THE GLOBETROTTER’S GET-GORGEOUS GUIDE, and my marketing and PR firm, Maxima Marketing. (We specialize in cosmetic surgery marketing and publicity, and cosmetic dental marketing and publicity.) If you’re going to a business trade show, you definitely want to hand out your personalized M&Ms at your booth. They’re also great as wedding favors and party favors. If you have foot traffic at your office you can even purchase a gumball machine with your personalized M&Ms inside as the ultimate candy dish. They’re even kosher. Public relations manager Lauren Nodzak told me that these M&Ms are an incredible business marketing tool and as a marketing expert for more than 25 years, I agree. These are low-cost marketing tools that get attention. Visit mymms.com for more info.

I’m a crackerjack copywriter and editor, and I love words. That’s why I excel at being a plastic surgery marketing expert and publicist, and a cosmetic dentistry marketing expert and publicist. So…..Are you owner and president of your own company? If you’re self-employed, it is really smart marketing to give yourself and create for yourself an unusual title, because that will help to make you and your business memorable, and that can lead to more clients and customers. For example, at Maxima Marketing, my business, I list myself not just as the owner, but also as the ‘Queen of Creativity.” You’re apt to remember that, aren’t you? Let’s say you own a coffee shop or a Dunkin Donuts franchise – you could call yourself the “Bean Queen.” Likewise, if you specialize in importing tea, why not call yourself the TeaEO instead of the CEO? If you’re a plumber who does outstanding work, why not simply list yourself as “Boston’s Best Plumber” on your business card and website. When you think outside of the box – your clients will appreciate your efforts, and even be inspired themselves. This is marketing that costs nothing — it only requires creativity! Check out my blogs at Maxima Marketing and call me at (781) 407-9305. As I said, I love words and can use my wordsmith talents to write you a press release, edit a speech or a book, proofread, devise a marketing strategy, name your product or service, or craft a signature tag line. And some of my best marketing tips are offbeat!

Did you know that July is National Blueberries Month and National Grilling Month? July 24th is also National Parent’s Day, and you can take advantage of that in your marketing. These celebrations are all documented in Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events. For example, no matter what your business, you can have a special in-house event that celebrates parenting. For example, if your business is a spa, invite parents and their children in, and make sure to include special refreshments that are suitable for all ages, such as ice cream. Give away 5-minute massages to parents, right then and there, and have a drawing to win a gift basket of spa products, or a discounted facial for the moms and dads. For kids, give away an ice cream pedicure, and spa products geared to children such as bubblebath. You just wind up with the entire family as your customers. Gearing your marketing around a special event or holiday or celebration is a no-brainer and a smart low-cost marketing tip. I say this as a Boston-based marketing expert, marketing copywriter and owner of Maxima Marketing.

I’m a marketing expert who works with plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, hair and skincare salons, and all types of retailers. I know a good press release when I see one — and when I write one! And the truth is, writing and distributing a press release via email is an absolutely no-cost marketing strategy. If you’re marketing your business, Do you know how to grab a reporter’s attention? Then follow these rules when sending out a press release to the media. First, in the body of your email, make sure that you have a salutation that includes the reporter’s name. Try to also indicate that you have read some of this reporter’s writing. Failure to do so may get your press release deleted immediately. Make sure to include important url’s. Don’t forget to include all of your contact information, including your cell phone, office phone, business email address, and other important details. And whatever you do, make sure to proofread your email and press release. It’s amazing to me how many mistakes I see in press releases that are sent to me, and it makes me wonder if the sender will get the facts straight, if he or she can’t get the wording right in a simple press release. And triple-check everything. For more savvy marketing tips, check out my blog on my website at Maxima Marketing.

I’m a marketing expert and a crackerjack marketing copywriter, and I love the power of words and ideas. I mastermind marketing and public relations for plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, and hair and skincare salons, along with all kinds of retailers. In my bestselling book OFF THE WALL MARKETING IDEAS, I (and my co-author Nancy Michaels) offer a wealth of no-cost and low-cost marketing ideas that every business can use. Do you need inspiration in your marketing? Then I suggest you visit dollar stores and party-planning stores. When you stroll around stores like this, you’re bound to come up with creative ideas that you can work into a marketing and promotion plan. For example, a friend of mine visited a dollar store and noticed some potholders. She had been trying to get a story placed in the media about her business, and it wasn’t working. So she sent potholders – priced one dollar each – to some local reporters, with the message, “It sounds like you put my ideas on the back burner. It there something else I can do to make this a hot topic for you?” And it worked. Inexpensive stores always provide inspiration, and all you need to do is come with creative wording. For a wealth of unusual ideas, check out my bestselling book OFF THE WALL MARKETING IDEAS found on Amazon.com. And always read my blog that complements my website at Maxima Marketing.

As a marketing expert who specializes in working with hair salons, I have a crackerjack hair salon marketing idea for you. One of the best marketing tips I can offer you, is to celebrate untraditional holidays to make your business memorable. One of my favorite untraditional holidays to celebrate is Bastille Day, July 14, which is a national holiday in France. My favorite salon on Boston’s Newbury Street, Salon acote, www.salonacote.com, does exactly this, because the owners of the salon are French. Owner Alex Safar celebrates every Bastille Day with special promotions to attract new and current clients. This year, on July 14, he is offering 25% off all products, and is giving away complimentary gift certificates to all women, for FREE blowouts of their hair worth $35. The salon, on Bastille Day, will also feature complimentary French croissants, wine and cappuccino. Salon Acote celebrates Bastille Day this way every year. It’s a great — and classy — low-cost marketing idea that sets the salon apart and it’s always been a huge success. Ooo la la! While you’re there, ask Alex about his incredible Keratin hair-straightening treatments. Ever since I first had my hair Keratined at Salon acote, it has changed my life. (I used to say that I didn’t just blow dry my hair — I beat it into submission.) Now, thanks to Keratin, I have pin-straight hair that requires little maintenance, and is curl- and frizz-free. And I’m not alone — everyone I know, who has had a Keratin treatment, also swears by it! If Salon Acote, or the folks at Keratin, need a testimonial — I’m your gal. For more marketing tips, check out my blog at Maxima Marketing.