Do you run a small business yet you don’t have the budget to advertise it? Don’t worry. There are many ways to market your business without spending a fortune, and some of these marketing tactics can be done for free.
If you don’t have the budget to advertise your business in the newspaper, there are several things that you can do to get the word out about your products or services. All it takes is a bit of creativity and imagination, some perseverance, and getting familiar with social media, and before you know it, customers will be getting in touch to see what you have to offer.
Here are a few low-cost marketing ideas for small businesses
Create a logo and a snappy tagline
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-made logo and a witty tagline. A logo design should be attractive and memorable, while your tagline must express what your company has to offer your customers.
There’s a reason why the Coca Cola logo is known all over the world, and why Nike’s “Just Do It” tagline and L’Oreal’s “Because You’re Worth It” resonate with people. So take the time to come up with a great logo and tagline and use these on shirts, packaging, documents, and social media accounts.
Participate in a contest
If there’s an upcoming festival or contest in your area, donate your product or service as a prize. This way, your business gets free publicity, and people will have an idea what your business is all about.
Make a blog and fill it with great content
Making a blog is easy, and the best part is that there are several free blogging platforms out there to host your blog. WordPress is a favorite among many bloggers, as well as Blogger. Once you’ve set up your blog, fill it with top 10 lists, funny articles, tips, and the like. Make sure to post new content regularly to keep your readers engaged.
Use social media
If you’re not comfortable using social media, get a team member to set up accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest. You can also create a YouTube account and post instructional or tutorial videos related to your business.
Go old school
Print up discount coupons and include these in shopping bags or ask if you can have these included in the Sunday paper. You can also print up fliers and have someone hand them out at fairs, markets, the mall’s parking spaces, and the like.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on small business ideas for young entrepreneurs.
