Businesses learn about ways to reach audience
Bob Villones of El Dorado Broadcasters likes to repeat a quote from McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc: “I own a marketing company that happens to sell burgers.” The message was that marketing is an important part of running a company.
Terry Frydenlund, CEO and president of 1st Bank Yuma, said he hates to spend money on advertising because he can’t track if it’s working, but he once stopped advertising and he saw a dramatic drop in customers.
Businesses had an opportunity to learn about various ways they can get their message across to customers during a Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn focused on local marketing options. It was held Oct. 18 at the San Luis Main Library.
Executive Director John Courtis noted that the chamber pre-sold 26 tickets, and more than 80 people showed up. A panel of marketing experts first presented their companies and gave brief overviews of how they can help companies market themselves.
Vanessa Castillo, a social media coach and business analyst at the Arizona Western College Small Business Development Center, noted that businesses have to use the internet as part of their marketing strategy. “If you’re not on the internet, you’re behind the curve,” she said, adding that businesses should first identify their audience and test various social media to see what works best.
Alex Espinoza, representing Bajo El Sol, the Yuma Sun’s Spanish publication, pointed out opportunities to market to pedestrians and vehicles waiting to cross the border. The publication hands out advertising flyers to those potential