Online marketing expands your reach.
A solid marketing plan aids in gaining attention and potential new clients for your small business. Your marketing strategies depend on the industry and your target audience. Narrowing in on a specific target audience helps customize your marketing strategies to increase effectiveness. Low-cost marketing options are also important to small businesses that often don't have a large marketing budget.
Online Marketing
The explosion of social media and online marketing options benefits small businesses on a tight budget. A company website offers a professional image for your business, and affordable hosting options and pre-made site templates make the process easier and affordable. Facebook, Twitter and company blogs are other online marketing tools. Create a business Facebook page for your company and ask everyone you know to "like" the page. A Twitter account allows you to reach your clients frequently with company updates and specials. Blogs allow you to go into more detail than you can on Twitter. Blogs provide a format for updating on company information and sharing useful information for clients. Your online presence helps build your brand and image for the company.
Community Involvement
When your marketing budget is low, spend time instead of money to spread the word. Involvement in community events gets your company's name out to the public and establishes your presence as part of the community. Many people appreciate the opportunity to support a local business, especially if the business owner gives back to the community. Volunteer at community events, donate goods or services to a fundraiser or create a simple float for a community parade.
Expanded Business Cards
A basic business card provides a reminder of your services and gets your name into the community. Take advantage of the back of the business card as advertising space. Entrepreneur recommends a product image, coupon or outline of your company's services or products. Or you can share your Facebook and Twitter information on the cards as well. Printing on the back side costs less than other advertising options like a phone book ad or television commercial.
Incentive Program
Your current client base is a resource for gaining new customers. Through loyalty and referral programs, you encourage your customers to share your business information for a relatively free source of marketing. People are often willing to share positive experiences, especially if they receive an incentive like discounts on future services. One simple program option is to give a percentage discount on future services for a referral who uses your services or makes a purchase.
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