Looking for ideas on how to promote your small business? Ones that do not require a huge advertising budget, or a degree in marketing? Sometimes instead of money or fancy degrees, what you need is some outside-of-the-box thinking. You probably can use at least some of the following ideas, to market and promote your company.
Be an expert.
Offer to be a speaker at a conference dealing with your industry, at various volunteer organizations, or set up your own “lunch and learn” at the local library or cafe. Local business groups possibly could use your expertise at their next meeting. The benefits from this strategy is establishing yourself as a recognized name, publicity, and networking.
Can’t find a venue, or despise public speaking? Make a video! Even a short but well-done clip can get your point across and get your name out there! Not only can you post it to video sharing sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, you can show it to individuals and/or groups who are your potential clients.
Free is nice.
Can you give samples, either of your product or your service? Try to get them into as many hands as possible, such as at a trade show or business networking meet-up. Think of noncompeting businesses who you could partner with, who would let you do this either in, or in front of, their place of business.
Everyone likes prizes! Can you offer a monthly contest or drawing to get people excited about your business? Get creative! From spa gift baskets, to a free pizza, it doesn’t have to be pricey to generate some buzz!
Join hands.
Along the lines of the partnering idea above, think about the many people you deal with on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Your clients, your vendors, the businesses you frequent. Come up with some win-win scenarios on how you can help each other out, giving referrals, or maybe just allowing a flyer or business cards to be placed on each others bulletin board/front desk, or a graphic or text link on each other’s websites.
Come up with incentives, even if it is just a gift card for coffee, for every so many referrals. Get together and brainstorm with neighboring companies every so often. You’ll be surprised at the creative ideas that come from these sessions!
You will soon find that going about your promoting with a hands-on, personal and creative approach, you will start to see results. Contact us to see how we can give you the help and support you need.
What creative or low-cost/free marketing or networking do you use? Love to hear from you!
