Big conglomerate companies are well established and because they have the funding, they can spend huge sums on marketing. Small businesses, however, are not as fortunate and will have to find ways to entice customers. If you are operating a small business and you cannot afford the expenses for radio ads, billboards and mass mailings, low-cost marketing tips for small business are available to help you stay afloat in the competitive business world.
It is possible to advertise on a tight budget but you need to prioritize your expenses. These seven low-cost marketing ideas can help to improve your customer base.
Social Media
It looks like everybody is using social media these days; so, why not put your business there as well? Advertising your business on social media is a great way to attract many potential customers. While advertising on social media can be costly, you can also get free marketing for your small business there as well.
There are social media sites that allow users to write reviews on business pages. Potential customers often read reviews about goods and services offered by businesses. These reviews help them to make a decision. Positive reviews on your profile, left by existing customers is one way of encouraging potential customers to know about your business.
You can post content, coupon codes, pictures of new products, and the online quiz to encourage individuals to make purchases from your company.
Website
A website is critical for your small business. Having a website is a good marketing strategy. With the increased activity in online shopping, your small business will become noticeable to people who are searching the web for goods and services you offer. One way to get your business out is by using SEO; this will improve your chances of showing up in web search results.
Ensure that your location, contact information and business hours are visible. Your website must have basic information about the products and/or services you offer. You can also maximize your online presence with blogs and/or testimonials from customers.
Business Partnerships
Forging a partnership with other local businesses is another marketing strategy you should consider. Bear in mind that it is unwise to form a partnership with your competitors; however, you can link with other businesses that offer related products.
Branding your vehicle
Why not have your company logo and important information written on your company vehicle. You might consider a paint job to be too expensive, but you could choose to use magnets that stick to the vehicle’s sides or you can buy StickerYou and place these on the windows at the side and on the back of your vehicle.
Sidewalk signs
Having your business on the main street can be beneficial in boosting your company image. How? Well, the main street usually generates not only a large number of vehicular traffic but pedestrians as well. A sign listing a sale, a new product will cause people to walk in and let them learn more about your business.
Local Media
Use the local media to your advantage by asking the local reporters to cover your business through networking and press releases. Be prepared to buy advertising spots for promotional products because reporters will not cover these. If your company has a unique product or if there is a newsworthy event, you may be able to get free advertising for any of these. Read here for an additional marketing tool.
Marketing to Present Customers
You can improve your business by marketing to your current customers. Turn your Current customers into repeat customers so they will keep buying from you. As your customer base grows, ask permission to add customers to your email list. If they agree, you can send emails about company news, coupons, and inventory updates. Never forget that you should send emails regularly because this will keep your business at the forefront of their minds. These emails will provide the opportunities for an increase in the sales of the products you offer.
A customer referral program is another marketing method. With this method, you offer incentives to customers who would introduce new clients to your business. These incentives could include a discount on the next purchase, free products or services to the referrer. Read more about low-cost marketing methods here: https://blogs.constantcontact.com/market-your-small-business/
Small businesses do not have to struggle to survive because they do not have the money for costly marketing strategies. Low-cost advertising can really help small business owners to remain competitive in the business world.
