While marketing is expensive, it is also a must for every business to survive. It can be a struggle for small businesses to promote their brand when they are on a tight budget. Luckily, you do not have to spend thousands of dollars on a billboard or commercial. Here are some affordable and effective marketing methods that you can try:
Business Cards
While this may seem like a small thing, you should always have your business card on your person. It is a quick way to give another person your business’s information while looking professional and credible as well. You never know who you will meet while you are doing your daily activities, so keeping a few copies with you is never a bad idea. Once you hear a person ask you “what do you do?”, you can easily whip out and give them your business card. Once they need your products or services, they will know how to contact you.
Online Presence
To be a thriving brand nowadays, you need to have a strong online presence. You should make sure that your company has a website that is pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate. You should also set up social media accounts so you can reach your target audience. You can buy ads on social media and ask social media influencers to talk about your product or service. However, you must set up a good website first – that way, you can direct any potential customers that found you on social media to a website that has information about your store’s location, product descriptions, etc.
Freebies
Everyone loves to get free stuff, so it would be a wise marketing move to take advantage of it. You can get promotional items for your industry that have your company’s name printed. There are many things that you can slap your brand’s name on, like t-shirts or mugs. You should try to choose items that people will use regularly – that way, every time someone sees the promotional item, they will be reminded of your brand.
Contests
If you want to get a lot of re-tweets, shares, or likes, then you should hold a contest. You need to make a set of rules that people have to follow to win, such as fill in the blank or you can create a raffle. It is especially effective if you ask them to post a photo with your brand tagged in it – that way, you can spread your brand’s name around more without paying. In addition, it is a great way to get people to test your product for free. If they like what you have to offer, they will be willing to pay for it.
The Community
If you are a small business, you need to get in touch with the community. They will be your main clients, so you need to take care of them. There are many ways you can get involved with your community as a business owner. For instance, if you have a bakeshop, you can offer free cupcakes at an event. Locals appreciate it when small brands try to help the community, so you should get more involved.
You do not have to break the bank to market your company popular and successful. Use any of the budget-friendly and effective tips above to promote your business and increase your chances of success.
