We’ve heard it all before: “You’ve got to spend money to make money.” With a bit of planning, research and ingenuity, however, that saying no longer has to apply to promoting your small business. If your business necessitates an emphasis on hyper local marketing, you’ll also need to employ quite a bit of creativity, but that just makes things all the more fun. Utilize these simple tips to market your business for little or no cost and then use the earned income to fund more ambitious marketing ventures. Lining up these strategies with a large event such as an open house or a large sale will make an even bigger bang.
Participate in Community Events
Most community events are free or low cost. Be aware that sincerity about local positive endeavors is a crucial prerequisite to successful networking and marketing. If you really want to permeate your local radius, keep the goals and purposes of community events in mind when you distribute your business cards and artfully promote your business. You are a key representative of your company and should conduct yourself as such.
Take Advantage of Free Advertisement
Positive word of mouth is one of the most economical forms of advertisement available. Standing out from the crowd, providing a quality service or product, and having outstanding customer service are all things that any business owner striving for success should be doing. Coincidentally, if these things are well accomplished, most customers will find it difficult not to at least give your company a passing mention to an interested friend or acquaintance.
Develop an Online Presence
A professional website is highly recommended for any business and it is nothing you should skimp on. If you don’t already have a website, and aren’t sure where to start, it’s best to pay and have one created for you. PowerSites can help you get started with your online presence.
After launching your website, it’s important to start blogging, explore the internet for other blogs that relate to your business and utilize the available audience. Do this by making relative contributions to the conversation and unobtrusively providing links to your blog. Many businesses also use social media networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter in similar ways. In the event that time or creative writing skills are an issue, consider outsourcing these tasks by hiring a freelance copywriter or content writer.
Implement a Customer Followup Strategy
Email marketing is a great way to promote your business at a low cost. Don’t be a nuisance, but when customers frequent your business, have a contact sheet available or signup form on your website, so that your customers have the option of registering and receiving important news and discounts. Be responsible with their contact information. Avoid flooding their inboxes with spam, but thank them for their business, inquire about their satisfaction with your product or service, and provide a convenient discount for the next time they return.
