Looking for ways to market your business on a shoestring budget? You’re not alone.
According to Hubspot, the third top marketing challenge for small businesses is the lack of marketing funds. The good news is, marketing doesn’t have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. All you need is a little creativity and smart strategizing to get things done.
By working on your promotional ninja moves, you can design an advertising campaign that will attract leads and enhance customer retention without breaking the bank. Here are 5 ways you can market your business on a tight budget—or even on no budget at all.
1. Offer promotional incentives & giveaways
Promotional incentives and giveaways are a great way to get your word out and make people appreciate your brand.
Sometimes, customers need a “little pampering” before they can pull out their wallets and offering gifts and irresistible discounts can do the trick. But you’ll need to do your homework well to figure out what giveaways will enhance your company’s visual exposure to the public.
Give away desirable items that will allow you to gain goodwill, build brand awareness and connect with customers without spending much. Picture things like promotional umbrellas, pens, T-shirts, or even online e-books.
Take umbrellas, for example, they offer a large surface area for you to print your logo, contacts, website and more. Promotional umbrellas will make your brand stand out from the crowd. Moreover, they are cost-effective because they have no expiry date or limit to their shelf life.
2. Install a car magnet
A car magnet is exactly what it sounds like; a big magnetic business card that can be attached anywhere on the side or back of your car.
By putting a magnetic sign on your car, you can turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard and build brand awareness even where your car is not moving.
Imagine driving down a busy street with a car magnet advertising your business. You will get over one hundred views in just ten minutes. That’s how effective a car magnet is at promoting your business.
3. Advertise online
If you don’t have an online presence, then you’re losing a lot to the competition.
Leverage the power of social media and other online advertising platforms to get your word out. Sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google regularly offer free advertising credits to lure in businesses. Take advantage of these opportunities to market your brand.
Also, make sure you have a website and make the habit of publishing content regularly. Not only will this demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership but also signal to Google that you’re a credible voice in your industry.
4. Attend local networking events
Attending parties and other community events is a great way to engage with your customers face to face.
When it’s time to introduce yourself, take the time to introduce your business and the role it plays in society. This gives your customers an opportunity to know you at a personal level and appreciate what you do.
5. Leverage referrals
Don’t be shy about asking customers for referrals.
A 2013 Nielsen global survey found that 77% of consumers are more likely to buy a product if they learn about it from friends or family. To fully leverage the power of the word of mouth, ask existing customers for recommendations and offer incentives for them to do so.
What other low-cost methods are you using to advertise your business? Share with us in the comments section below.