Customers will never find you if they are unaware that you exist. Here are some low-cost options for spreading the word.
After payroll, marketing could be one of the most costly expenses for a small business. Giving your brand exposure in the public eye is not cheap, but there are ways to do it on a budget if you’re smart about how to aim your customers.
Begin with a Strategy
If you created a business plan before you began operations, you should have a marketing section that you can describe when preparing your marketing activities.
If not, a marketing plan should serve as a road map for reaching out to your target market and transforming them into customers. Without one, you risk overspending and wasting money on ineffective marketing efforts.
You can also look into some digital marketing company and their services. For Instance, SocialB. Digital is an affordable digital marketing company. You can always look into affordable marketing campaigns near you online.
Your marketing strategy should at the very least include:
1. Relevant information about your ideal customer, such as their age, gender, interests, and needs, as well as the best way to reach them.
2. Your unique selling point – what distinguishes your company from the competition? Why should clients choose your product or service over a competitor’s?
3. Your selling prices and positioning strategy – do you want to be known as a budget model that offers the best deals to price-sensitive customers, or as a premium brand that offers higher value at a higher price?
4. Your budget – how much money are you willing (and able) to spend on marketing your company?
5. The platforms and equipment you plan to use, such as pamphlets, social media, a website, traditional advertising, and so on.
Look into the following budget-friendly marketing options to get better ideas:
Word of Mouth
Happy customers are your most powerful marketing tool. People trust their friends and family, so a referral from a client is a must if you can get it.
Make sure each customer receives service they’ll tell their friends about, and then ask them for a referral.
You could even sweeten the deal for them by offering a gift or discount on future purchases for every new client they introduce to your business.
Also Read: Digital Marketing Strategies For Beginners
Social Networking Sites
Social Media is a great option to support your digital marketing business. Navigating social media can be difficult if you are not a regular user, but there is assistance available if you require it (in the form of online tutorials or even specialist consultants or agencies).
Once you’ve determined which platforms your customers use, establishing brand profiles is free and allows you to promote your offerings or services in a fun, trying-to-engage manner.
You can also join societies on platforms like Facebook, where you may be able to post about your selling. Plan your posts cautiously, keep your accounts up to date, and always reply to any concerns or comments.
You can even try strengthening posts to people who aren’t already following you for a small fee (starting at a few hundred dollars).
Tip: Another way to get word-of-mouth links is through social media. Encourage your clients to post about your company on social media or tag them in client appreciation posts.
Run Promotions or Competitions
People adore a freebie or a fantastic deal. Plan a special promotion or competition to entice your current or potential new customers.
You could plan it around a special day (for example, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, etc.) or when you have to get rid of slow-moving inventory.
Just be careful not to undercut prices or overspend on promotions if you don’t want to end up unable to pay for your expenses.
Begin small – a social media campaign asking your followers to share a post with their friends may suffice.
Join Forces with Other Companies
Identify non-competitive businesses in your industry and approach them about a mutually advantageous collaboration. That way, they can introduce you to their clients while you introduce them to theirs.
Enter Business Competitions
Business award ceremonies are a great way to manage marketing of your brand. Throughout the year, there are numerous small business and industry awards.
The prizes awarded may be just what your business needs, but the buzz and free hype surrounding the awards is the icing on the cake.
It has the potential to expose your company to a previously unavailable network of potential clients.
