When small businesses think about marketing, they wonder about how much capital outlay will be involved and if the return on investment will be worth it. Here are some free marketing ideas to consider:
1. Use your email signature
With every email you send out you have an opportunity to connect with your clients. You can add special promotions in your email signature and add a link directly to the promotion page or you could add a link which goes to your latest blog. Make sure it is bold and colourful so it attracts the attention of your client.
2. Network
Look for free networking opportunities in your local community. You could attend business expos or contact your local business chapter to see what events are available.
3. Get listed
Are you listed on your local business directories? It is important to register your business on local business directories as this can help with your Google ranking. You should also check where your business is listed and if the information is correct.
4. Use your voicemail
If someone gets your voicemail, why not tell them about the social media platforms which they can reach you on? This will give them another way to contact you and it will give them an opportunity to spread the word about your business.
5. Write guest posts
Are you a guru in your field? Why not share your knowledge with others by writing a guest post? This can be featured in publications that target your ideal client.
6. Use social media
It is important to register your business on all social media platforms even though you won’t promote your business on all of them. It is important to find out where most of your key clients hang out and focus on building a following on that platform.
7. Create a meetup event
This is a great opportunity to highlight the benefits of your business and to establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry. By having focused events you will target the ideal client for your business. As long as you have a place for someone to sit and some refreshments you will be well on your way to getting great new leads.
8. Ask for referrals
If your client has been happy with your service, you can ask them to send you some contacts who may also be interested in your product. You could also add an incentive by giving your original client a discount on their next purchase if the lead is successfully converted into a customer.
9. Create a podcast
Are you an eloquent speaker? A podcast would be right up your alley. You can use a free podcast creation tool and spread the word about your products. By giving some information away to your customers, you will grow your customer base.
10. Volunteer at local community events
With this opportunity you will get to meet local people. If you get the opportunity you can tell them about your business and what you do. You could wear a t-shirt with your company logo on it to help create more interest while you help out at the local events. This may also increase the goodwill amongst your local community as they see you and your company doing something to improve the local environment.
11. Offer a free lesson
Depending on your product, you can offer a free lesson at your local library or community centre to help introduce people to your product. This will help your community to grow and will also get people to understand how your product works if it is complicated.
Article proudly brought to you by the NSBC.