A effective spa marketing plan doesn't have to contain a prominent actor, prime-time TV placement, top notch computer glossy prints or a considerable budget. Being resourceful and proficient can be just as adequate. Business advertising doesn't have to demand riches. Many times, it's individual tact and personality that seals the deal.

Here are some ideas on spa marketing to assistance you in making the most of a scanty marketing budget.

Employ Press Release Potency:
You might not appreciate it, but reporters occasionally need you as much as you need them. The key to getting their notice is coming up with a newsworthy thing that is summarily written. Link your press release to actual events, such as fundraising events, charity giving or a new treatment or service your spa business offers.

Don't be quick-witted to entertain yourself to the idea you must have a purifying purpose. If you can not figure out why your day spa or medi spa might be newsworthy, ask your spa industry peers what they find interesting about your spa business, treatments and services. You can also utilize your built-in scrutiny tool "your clients."

If you have an offbeat idea, bounce it off them or have them fill out a short survey/ questionnaire. Ask them why they use your spa business, what they like about your treatments or the specific facial products you use.

Think Outside The Box:
You don't have to outspend your spa industry peers, you just have to outthink them. Some examples: Buy a billboard ad every other month for a year. Chances are, the billboard won't be replaced on the off months, so you'll get more exposure at no extra cost. This concept also relates to how you run your spa business: Always try to figure out how to give your clients something they can't find elsewhere, such as a limo service for wedding parties.

Conceive Differently:
Pilot an event to attract media coverage. For instance, a medi spa could hold a before an after event. Similar to the TV show "The Swan!" Bring in partner businesses and services (make-up, pedicure, manicure, dental, hair styling...) the partners for this event are almost endless.

Print The Praise:
If someone says, "You do a absolutely wonderful pedicure," say, "Thank you, very much, that means a considerable lot to me. I would value it if you would write a short testimonial?" Then make the testimonial part of your promotional efforts.

Appropriate A Message:
When you see a spa industry subject or article on a subject that might interest your clients, send them a copy with a letter that says, "I thought you might be interested in this?" You're making a personal connection with your client and associating yourself with the authority or information quoted in the article in the process.

Try The Never Fails:
Don't dismiss time-honored solutions that increase your company's public profile, these simple spa marketing ideas... such as sponsoring a humanity event or outfitting a local minors sport team. You'll get your name notably recognized, and that's what counts.

Spa marketing does not have to be difficult or expensive it's just a simple matter of putting your thinking cap on and coming up with intuitive ideas. Most importantly "Take Action!"

John Uhrig, President & CEO of Monochrome Marketing Solutions, a Vancouver, BC-based spa marketing consulting firm. And is the editor of the Spa Marketing & Advertising Strategies E-Newsletter featuring day spa marketing best practices. 'The Spa Business Owner's Unfair Advantage.' www.spamarketing.ca info@spamarketing.ca