Every business owner is busy and has limited time and money for marketing, but it still needs to be done. Here are a handful of low-cost ways to spread the good news about your business.
- Ask family and friends to help market your business. Educate them on the products and services you offer and tell them how they can help bring in customers — after all this close group of people wants to see you succeed.
- Build a business referral network where you can find other business professionals who work within the same target market as you.
- Attend meetings, events and trade shows to connect with other business professionals and attract new customers.
- Offer to speak at an event. There are always groups who are looking for speakers that will interest their attendees. This does not have to be only to groups in your own industry but other businesses that can benefit from your expertise.
- Volunteer in your community, or volunteer to be on the board of a local charity. You will meet a variety of people and attain a positive image for your business.
- Use the press. Write a publicity article about your business or a local cause in which you are involved. In addition to the newspaper, there are several smaller local publications in which to advertise. Offer to write an article for them.
- Put up posters and fliers on local community bulletin boards, at local businesses and in meeting places.
- Offer informational brochures to educate your customers about your industry and the products and services you offer. Write a blog and become an expert in your field.
- Collect email addresses from your customers. Produce a monthly or quarterly e-newsletter and use this as a way to stay in touch with your customers.
- Give something away for free — have a contest or drawing to attract customers. Sponsor a local event by offering your product as a prize in a local contest.
- Never run out of well-designed business cards. Give each person two, one to keep and one for them give away to your next customer.
- Advertise on local websites not just on your own.
