Small businesses may not have the resources that larger companies have when it comes to marketing. So how can you market your small business? Here are some cost-effective marketing strategies that any small business can implement.
Build a presence on social media
According to Entrepreneur.com, “81 percent of consumers go online before heading out to a store and may spend two to three months gathering the information they need to make a decision”. Whatever social media platform you choose acts as a first impression for your company. Social media accounts allow people to learn more about your company and get in contact with you. How you present yourself online is a big part of the impressions that are formed about your company.
Forbes discusses how building a presence on social media platforms is an “effective and low cost way for startups to get a lot of exposure relatively quickly”. The biggest assets related to social media are the time and energy put into creating your account and managing it. Social media requires effort with no external costs. Your audience or potential clients seek you out through social media and the content you have on your account is what creates an impression.
Network within your industry
In today’s digital age, many people underestimate the value of personally knowing someone. The ability to get to know, connect, and possibly form a relationship with other business people in your industry can lead to huge benefits down the road. Not only does networking help you meet other industry leaders that could help you, but it is a way to get your own company name out in the industry.
The key to networking is understanding that it is an ongoing process that does not always involve instant gratification. Meeting people and trying to establish relationships can be time-consuming. Business Insider points out that networking with others is a marketing function that can “serve you well for years to come”. The best thing you can do is network for benefits in the long run and understand that stronger business relationships can lead to bigger business practices later.
Utilize influencer marketing
According to Forbes, “getting brands mentioned on well-established web publications is one of the most potent traffic-building strategies”. Reaching out to influencers within your industry is a way to get your company name marketed for free. Mention other brands and try to get those brands to mention you. Create relationships with influencers in your industry that can mention you in their own work and publications.
Leverage your community
One way to start small before going big in marketing is to reach out to your company’s local community. You want your surrounding community to know you so you can grow from there. Participating in events such as sponsoring a little league team or passing out flyers at a community event are all ways to get your name out into the area.
Participating in your community may not be completely free, but it is less expensive than large-scale marketing campaigns. A lot of the time, people in your surrounding community are your target audience. Engaging the local area is a way to both get your name out into the community and create a positive impression for your company.
Craveity specializes in marketing and branding for small businesses. Whether you want to develop your company’s social media presence or understand how to better your company’s brand, Craveity can help you create a marketing platform that you can use for any size you company grows to.
