Marketing is important, we all know that. Funding marketing can also be a challenge; we all know that as well. Start-ups, part-time businesses, and microbusinesses may not have a large budget for marketing and advertising. Does this sound like your business? Well, have no fear, there are several low or no cost ways to market your business.
If you are a startup business, sending out a press release to the local media is a great way to gain free exposure. A well-crafted press release that provides the background of the business and business owner and how the business will serve the community may land you a spot in your local paper or a plug on a local blog. If it is interesting enough, you have a shot. Just don’t make it a sales pitch- then you won’t get any play because you’re clearly just trying to get free advertising.
Social media is another useful, low to no cost tool. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Youtube can all help you reach and stay in front of your audience without spending a large amount of money. If you can master these tools yourself, they can be no cost tools. If you need some professional assistance, it can be found at a relatively low cost compared to other marketing services such as TV or radio advertising (useful tools as well, but more costly).
Email marketing is an excellent, low cost tool. Services such as Constant Contact make it easy to send clean, professional emails to an entire email list. These services offer customizable templates that you can insert logos, images, content, links, etc. into. This is a great way to keep in contact with a large amount of people at a manageable cost. Put an email signup list at your counter or a signup tab on your Facebook Page and you are ready to get the contacts flowing in.
Networking is a great way to gain exposure for your business in a very direct way. Networking events are held constantly by business associations, chambers, and other networking groups. These events are a great way to meet new people who may have an interest in your business (or know someone else who may). They are also a great way to make connections that could help advance your business (cross-selling opportunities, media connections, influential business leaders, etc.). Networking events are typically low cost ($5-$10 on average), and you even get to have a little something to eat usually!
Special events are also an excellent way to market your business. If you are a retail location or food establishment, special events can draw large crowds to your business. These events may be a customer appreciation day, a fundraiser for a local non-profit, a family day, a holiday extravaganza, etc. You can even offer to host a chamber or business association networking event. Use the tools mentioned above (social media, email marketing, networking, and possibly a press release if it is a community event) to promote the event. Online event calendars may also be utilized for some types of special events (just don’t post sales, it is poor etiquette). If you are a business-to-business company, workshops and seminars are great ways to market your business and attract potential customers or clients.
Marketing is important, and it should not be sacrificed due to budget constraints. Press releases, social media, email marketing, networking, and special events are all great ways to gain exposure at low to no cost. As a business owner, you must be strategic and proactive in marketing your business. Don’t expect the phone to ring or the doors to be busted down by crowds of customers on their own. Drive traffic to your business!
