When you own a small business, you have to spend a lot of time and energy into generating interest in your product or service. While you establish a solid customer base, you need to implement both short-term and long-term marketing plans in order to stay afloat. Many business owners feel intimidated by marketing, and may fail to spend adequate time, money, and energy into their advertising and marketing efforts. However, there are some very simple ways you can successfully market your small business without demanding too much of your time and money. Read on for some simple, actionable steps you can take to promote your small business.
Online
Advertise on Facebook
If you haven’t already, now is the time to start a Facebook for your business. Social media is a great way to advertise your business because it is a completely free way to reach your target demographic. To reach the largest demographic, consider investing in Facebook ads. By advertising on Facebook, you are able to really narrowly focus your attention on your target demographic, leading to a higher ROI. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on these ads; as little as 5 dollars a day can go a long way.
Network online
Another great way to use Facebook to promote your business is by networking with other business owners in the area. There are many Facebook groups for common interests, and in all likelihood, there is one for small businesses in your area. This gives you access to a lot of local people who can patronize your business, and may give you the opportunity to set up a mutually beneficial business partnership.
PPC Advertising
Many people find great success with PPC (pay-per-click) advertising with search engines such as Google. However, you should be careful to fully educate yourself before implementing a PPC campaign, as it can be easy to pointlessly burn through money if you don’t know what you are doing. Do your research first before you start.
Use other social media channels
Beyond Facebook, you can use other social media channels to the advantage of your business. If you provide a service, you may post videos on YouTube explaining the service and link directly to your website through call-to-action overlays. Alternatively, you can use Twitter to engage your business directly with your customers and generate more awareness through hashtags. There are so many ways to get creative with social media these days, and because there are many ways to use to it market your business for free, it is worth investing your time.
Advertising online isn’t your only option in terms of marketing. In fact, you should make a point to invest in offline marketing as well.
Offline
Direct mail
If you are like most people, you believe that direct mail marketing is dead in the modern world of the internet. However, research shows that direct mail advertisements can actually have a profound effect on your potential customer. These days, people really appreciate the personal touch of receiving mail. Everyone is so used to email advertisements, that when they receive an eye-catching postcard in the mail, they are more likely to take a second look. Mailing out a postcard advertising some sort of deal or discount for your product or services is a great way to attract new business, and for mere cents per card, it is inexpensive as well.
Promotional products
People love free stuff. Take advantage of this fact for some advertising for your business! For example, you could print up promotional t-shirts and give them to your friends, family, and loyal customers for some walking advertisement. Alternatively, you could have a giveaway or some kind of contest among your customers for swag. Either way, you benefit from having your brand out there for relatively little cost and effort.
Visit trade shows
Small business trade shows are a good way to gain some exposure for your business without an enormous investment. Small business expos are a good option because they usually are affordable and may offer a good way to network with other small businesses in the area.
Invest in quality branding products
Marketing is all about establishing your business as recognizable and trusted in the community. One way to this is to ensure your brand is visible all around your area. One simple and affordable step is to invest in custom flags or banners from Impact Canopy to install in various areas around town that allow you to target your ideal demographic. For example, if you own a sports memorabilia shop, posting custom flags with your brand on them around the football stadium may attract them right clientele to your business. Alternatively, you could use a custom banner to advertise at a relevant street fair. However you use them, investing in custom branding solutions from Impact Canopy is a great way to market your business for a reasonable price. Shop our online store today!
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