Marketing is crucial for enterprises. And nowhere is this more evident than in small businesses.
To draw customers and reach ROI, you must market your business. No matter the cost. No matter how little you have.
A limited budget will not get you far, though. If your business runs on a shoestring, dreams of highway billboards, TV ads, and mass mailings seem farfetched.
If you have the means, good. If not, still good. You learn how to be thrifty and grasp the true meaning of cost-effective marketing.
Nothing is impossible. You—and only you—can set the bar for your goals.
Cost-effective marketing is possible. But it needs the right strategy, a positive outlook, and inexpensive channels.
1. Create a social media page.
Most—if not all—marketers have jumped on the social media trend. So why haven’t you?
For a small price, you can pay for ads on social media. It broadcasts your business to potential customers.
If paid ads are beyond your budget, seek out influencers or existing customers. Strike a deal and have them spread your posts in exchange for discounts or free products or services.
Some social media sites allow users to post reviews on their business pages. So, tell your customers to post reviews or testimonials on your profiles. Potential customers must see those praises.
How to draw those praises? Post compelling content for customers to buy your products and share their experiences.
2. Put up a website.
A small business needs an official website. When people google your business, this website must show atop the search results.
Other people will google for products or services in your locality or industry. They must see at least one of your webpages on the first page.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will help you land in the first page of Google’s search page results.
Take note: Do not waste your readers time and attention. You must be clear in delivering your brand’s information and message.
Visitors must find your site location, business hours, and contact information in a jiffy. Help them navigate through the pages.
Throw in the following:
- A brief, relevant info about your products or services
- Testimonials
- Link to your blogsite
- Links to your social media pages
3. Find and promote business partnerships.
Tie up with local businesses. You can promote each other through email lists or give customers coupons for each other’s businesses.
Partner with businesses in your industry, not your competitors. If you have an ice cream store, team up with dessert shops or patisseries that do not sell your product.
4. Place sidewalk signs outside your store.
If your location is along a busy foot traffic, place a sign on the sidewalk outside your store.
Use it to promote a sale or new arrivals. As pedestrians pass by, some will stop to take a look if they see a common interest.
5. Send press releases and network with local reporters.
Free publicity can boost your cost-effective marketing strategy. And nowhere else is this more viable than with the local media.
Remember: Reporters will not put up with promotional material for free. They will only cover your business if you are newsworthy.
Create something that will stand out from the competition. Once it gains traction, local media will not hesitate to drop you a message.
