Small business marketing does not have to cost a fortune to be effective. You can launch a low budget marketing initiative in a number of ways. This will allow you to reach as much of your desired target audience as possible.
With the right marketing plan and marketing strategy, you will experience superior results. You can increase your reach and engagement. This will lead to higher conversions, repeat business and loyal customers.
Here is an infographic that summarizes the 10 small-budget marketing ideas for small businesses:
1. Content
Written content is one of the most important marketing initiatives. This is due to the sheer amount of time people spend online each day. Original content that adds value to the lives of your customers is essential.
The content should include SEO, and the subject matter should inform, educate or entertain your audience. If you do not wish to write your own content, it is possible to buy original content. Many writing services offer original content at an affordable price.
2. Contests and Giveaways
Everyone loves free stuff. Contents and giveaways are an easy way to attract new business and to reward your existing customers. The prizes do not have to be expensive. You might give away a significant discount on their next purchase.
You might offer a free item that is relevant to your business. Or you might offer a gift card to a local business popular with the majority of locals. Be sure to utilize all marketing channels, including social media, to advertise your contest or giveaway.
3. Customer Referrals
A customer referral program puts your existing customers to work on your behalf. In turn, you provide them with an incentive for the referral. You might suggest they refer your services to any number of people in their lives.
Such people might include a friend, family member, colleague or a stranger from the supermarket line. The incentives are often cash-based, free products or a discount. Referrals are an excellent way to reach your desired target audience without much effort on your part.
4. Email Marketing
Email marketing is a highly effective way to keep your customers informed about your business. You can blast emails about upcoming sales. You can send out updates about new products or upgrade offerings. And you can use this marketing method as a way to provide coupons to entice repeat business.
Be sure to keep a database of your customer emails from day one. And be sure to provide boxes on your website for people to submit their email addresses. Then they can receive updates and discounts on a regular basis. You can even use emails to send customer shoutouts and employee profiles. One important thing: know what email marketing metrics you’ll be measuring.
5. Infographics
Infographics are a simple way to create shareable data and information. This type of marketing platform is ideal for featuring more visuals and statistics and less written content. You want to use impressive data markers, such as the number of new customers in one month.
Make it an attention-grabbing visual with easily digestible information. You can use free infographic templates from many sources. These templates are user-friendly platforms for easy customization. You can also pay someone to create an infographic on your behalf.
6. Loyalty Programs
You should appreciate your customers and reward them to demonstrate your appreciation. Loyalty programs provide customers with benefits for repeat business. The type of loyalty program you offer can vary, based on your preference.
You might provide a punch card. This gives customers a free product or service after making several purchases. You might provide $10 off the next purchase for spending over $100. You can customize your loyalty program to best suit your marketing strategy.
7. Networking
Networking is an essential and easy way to maximize your marketing plan efforts. You can attend any number of free networking events in your region. Choose networking opportunities for your direct industry and indirect industries that can benefit your customer base.
This might include events with various professional organizations, community activities or conferences. You might find potential new customers, suppliers and future employees at such events.
8. Social Media
Every business should have a social media presence. It is important to select the right platforms for your industry and business type. You do not have to use every platform possible. Whichever platform you do use, be active at roughly the same time and on the same days.
This allows your audience to know when to look for your posts. And be sure to examine your business analytics. This determines which post types are most popular. It also shows you at which times of the day the majority of your audience is online. You can leverage social media interactions to understand how you should design and build your newsletter.
9. Video marketing
Video marketing is essential for small business owners. Today, many experts agree that video marketing is the most important tool. People are now using their mobile phones far more than their PCs and laptops. And videos are rapidly becoming far more popular as a way to learn about products and services.
You do not have to spend a lot of money on videos. It is quite easy to create quality videos with your mobile phone. Be sure to create a storyboard and dialogue before you shoot.
10. Volunteer
Customers care about companies that give back. Most consumers prefer a socially conscious company over a non-socially conscious competitor, even if it costs more. You and your employees should take time out of your lives to volunteer. Volunteer as a team or let each team member choose a cause of their choice.
If you have a small business, you can improve your profits with low budget marketing. You do not have to spend a lot of money to be successful with small business marketing. However, you do have to invest your time. And be sure to use analytics and metrics to determine which methodologies are most effective.
