If
you have recently established your own independent business, then you probably
need to start getting your name out there and drawing in customers. You
typically do this through marketing. Unfortunately, there's no denying the fact
that marketing is expensive. Some entrepreneurs simply can't afford it -
especially when they're first starting out. That's exactly why we have written
this article today. We're going to be providing our readers with some
brilliant, affordable ways to effectively
advertise their small businesses.
If you only have a small budget for marketing, this is the perfect article for
you.
1.)
Social Media
For
starters, social
media is a brilliant way for small
businesses to advertise their products or services without spending a dime.
It's completely free to create an account and start posting content for
marketing your company. There are several different social media platforms, so
let's look at the advantages of each one.
Facebook
is a brilliant platform which can function as your base of operations. You can
insert your business hours on your Facebook page, letting people know when
you're open or closed. Its marketplace is also a great platform for selling
your products. You can share all the content from your other social media pages
on Facebook, too.
Instagram
is perfect for businesses that are selling ‘visual' products, such as bespoke
jewellery or patisserie cakes. You can post video content on Instagram, too.
The social media platform also offers analytics for businesses, showing them
how well they have managed to engage audiences.
LinkedIn
is a social media platform which allows professionals to network with one
another. If you work in the service industry, this is very helpful for building
connections. LinkedIn is also great for tracking down human capital, such as
skilled computer technicians.
Twitter
is also used by professionals who would like to network with one another. It's
probably the best platform when it comes to business outreach, as you don't
necessarily need people to follow you to appear on their news feed - so long as
someone else has engaged with your post.
2.)
Email Marketing
Email
marketing is generally considered to be quite expensive and time-consuming.
However, it is actually very easy and affordable if you manage to track down
the cheapest
email marketing software. As a small
business, this kind of advertising software will be the perfect size and scale
for you. But what exactly is email marketing? And how can it benefit your
business? Well...
- Relationships
with Customers
One
of the best things about email marketing is that it allows you to build a
stronger relationship with your customers. As every good entrepreneur knows,
this is the key to creating a successful business. Loyal customers will bring income
to your company for life.
Email
marketing is also a brilliant way to establish your business's brand. For
example, you can write a monthly e-newsletter which makes your company's voice,
image, ethos and identity distinct. This helps you to stand out from the
competition and stay in your customer's head for longer.
Your
company looks more professional and credible with an email marketing campaign.
They allow you to stay in contact with customers and keep them updated with the
latest business news which is relevant to them.
With
cheap email marketing software, you can save yourself loads of time and money
on advertising. You can connect with hundreds or thousands of customers at
once, without spending a pound on printing and delivery. Once you have created
your template and written the message, you're pretty much done.
Email
marketing campaigns are perfect for ‘refer-a-friend' schemes. These are where
customers can receive special perks if they encourage a contact to register
with your business, increasing your outreach.
If
you have created content for your business, then your email marketing campaigns
are one of the best ways to deliver this content. For example, have you written
a guide on ‘seeking legal support after being wrongfully dismissed'? Then send
this to the relevant clientele. You can help them with useful information and
generate traffic for your business.
3.)
Business Website
Finally,
you should create a website for your business. This can be done cheaply,
although purchasing a branded domain can sometimes be quite expensive.
Regardless, you can easily get a return on investment with your website. Not
only can you create a blog (which is ideal for sharing information and
improving SEO) but also advertise your products/services on the different
webpages, enticing customers to invest. Your website is where you keep all your
contact details, too.
These
are some affordable and effective ways to advertise your small business. They
are tried and true methods that companies use all across the world.