With the Inauguration approaching, businesses have been taking advantage of every avenue to use President-elect Barack Obama in their marketing scheme.  For example, businesses are offering special deals around the nation for their customers on Inauguration Day, anyone able to put Obama’s face on something, whether it be a t-shirt or a coffee mug, has done so, even Obama themed spa packages and deals are popping up.

With the economy in current shambles, marketers are looking for every outlet to attract their customers, and this year’s Inauguration happened to get most businesses #1 vote!  It’s a great marketing tool especially for local businesses, as they can tap into their local community.  The question is, while we know that businesses around the nation are taking advantage of this marketing tool, are the businesses in Washington prepared?

Millions of people will have rushed into the city looking for hotels, restaurants, and even places to shop.  Online business directories like CityWaboo and Local.com are directing traffic towards businesses, in addition to all of the major search engines, like GOOGLE and Yahoo!.  The increase in businesses traffic has been dramatic and with any change in trend, comes change in plans.  The Washington Board of Trade posted some tips for businesses that are trying to prepare for not only Inauguration Day, but Inauguration Week.  Here are a few of the suggestions:

• Stay current on the Inauguration Day and Week happenings and news.
• Plan, Plan, Plan.  You can never be too prepared, make sure you have all of your bases covered
• Keep officials in your local area informed of any special events you’ll be providing throughout the week

The Inauguration, just as the Democratic and Republican Conventions, provides a stage to establish what your business is and leave a mark on your customers coming in.  Don’t forget, word-of-mouth is the quickest and most dependable form of advertising, so leave a good impression.  While you’re at it, increase your own marketing by creating a business listing on sites that allow for your customers to praise you through reviews.  Sites like CityWaboo enables customers to not only recommend you, but also review your business, and even add photos from their visit with you!  What better way to advertise than that!

For more information on advertising or marketing, please visit CityWaboo.