If you don’t have a big budget to spend on your marketing, don’t panic! There are still plenty of things that you could be doing to market your business. Here’s eight low-cost marketing ideas for small businesses on a tight budget.
Start Networking with Social Media
If you haven’t already done so, set up business accounts on social media site like LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook. Fill out your business profile and then start posting. It’s free and it’s an easy way to spread your message. To get some ideas, have a look at these Facebook marketing tips.
Publish Quality Content on Your Website
Content is king, and it always has been. So, publish some engaging and useful content on your blog. It could be top ten lists, industry updates, or hints and tips. It will help boost the credibility of your business, and it will help your website rank higher in search engines.
Recycle Content
Look at some of your old content. See if you turn any of it into something new. Old blog posts might be turned into an e-book. A webinar could be transformed into an online video tutorial. Refreshing old content will give you the opportunity of getting your message across to a whole new audience.
Create Infographics
People love infographics, and they love to share them. Even if you don’t have the budget to hire a professional designer, there are plenty of free infographic design apps available online. Infographics are great or generating referral traffic too. You can get some infographic ideas by browsing through examples you can find on sites like Visual.ly. Then, with a basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, you can create stunning infographics using free vector kits.
Host Events or Hold Classes
Attract new customers for your business by hosting events or classes. If you print some flyers, you will then be able to advertise your event on local community boards. You will find these at places like libraries, colleges and adult education centers. Community bulletin boards don’t usually allow advertisements. But, if it’s an educational event, you may be able to advertise it for free.
Set up a Referral Program
Customer referrals are one of the most powerful forms of marketing. They are advertising and an endorsement, all rolled into one. Offer customers an incentive to refer new customers to your business. It could be a free product, or perhaps a discount on their next purchase.
Try Guerilla Marketing
The great thing about guerilla marketing is that imagination is more important than the budget. Examples of guerilla marketing include organizing flash mobs, handing out free stickers, and chalking a Twitter name on sidewalks. Read this post to get some more guerilla marketing ideas.
Online Competitions
Online competitions are good way get more email addresses for your mailing list. The prize doesn’t need to be overly expensive to get people to participate. Tickets to a local sports game or some top-of-the-range water bottles would do. If you are not sure how to host a competition on your website, you can create entry forms on sites like Rafflecopter.