Starting a new business takes guts and ambition. It means you, as a business owner, have something you believe is of value of others. It also means that you need to market these products and services in order to draw your target market. However, it does not have to mean spending a lot of money in order to reach your goals. Here are seven reasonable and fun ways I have found that work, when it comes to getting the word out, without hurting my bottom-line.
Social Media: Social media – especially outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter – has been around for less than 15 years, and yet it ranks as the number one way to market and advertise to the general population in today’s small business markets. The reason for this growing and successful trend is not only because social media marketing, for the most part, is cheap and basically free, but because its reach is far greater than most avenues (TV, print and radio). Those who know how to use it to the benefit of their business find it to be very effective as a fun interactive way of connecting with current and potential clients.
Business Website: Just as social media can expand the reach of local businesses to a broader, national and global clientele, business websites must be an essential part of any business’s marketing strategy if they wish to draw a diverse customer base. Meaning, get out of being a local business. The world is largely connected today because of the internet, such that I can run a business from the United States and pull in clients from as far away as Uganda. A business without a website in today’s market is like a business without a phone number back in the day. How do people find you and reach you? There are several do-it-yourself websites available to help you get started, and they do not cost a fortune. Just be careful that you choose the right one to avoid certain pitfalls.
Word of Mouth/Networking: Excellent service + Satisfied and happy clients = Free word of mouth advertising. As a small business owner, always remember that one happy client can double or triple your client base. Networking works just as well. Just be sure to pick the right networking events. Be nice to the people you meet. Give back. Help others succeed in their own business endeavors and you will reap the rewards of good references. So get out there and network with people and watch your business grow.
Car decals: I have personally not tried this route for my business, but if my curiosity is like anyone else’s then I can assure you that those who use car decals as a way of advertising their businesses get at least a few website visits a day, if they have a website. Which, if they don’t, as seen above, can do more damage than good. It is normal for me to make a mental note of the businesses I see advertised on cars and look them up online when I get home. I do this even for businesses I have no use for at that particular moment. Just out of curiosity. You never know who is driving behind you.
Tee-shirts: The same goes with walking billboards. In a recent issue of Fortune magazine, Indiegogo co-founder and CEO, Slava Rubin, says he wears company tee-shirts when traveling. Of course, the name usually attracts questions from curious passengers and by-standers. According to him, it’s his way of “advertising without having to spend too much money on a marketing budget.” I say if this strategy works for you, then do it. I plan to. Customized tee-shirts can be purchased at a reasonable cost from places like Vista Print and are fun accessories that are sure to spark the occasional conversation. And there’s no better way to show pride in what you’ve built better than wearing your business on your back. Literally. Be your own walking billboard.
Business cards: A good business card should name the business basics. Name of the business, services provided, contact name, contact email, contact number and website address. Services may be listed as a slogan or a basic description, such as “your one-stop writing & editing studio.” This gives the receiver an idea of the services you provide without having to list them all. In lieu of business cards, personalized bookmarks, wallet calendars and pens or stationary can make your business standout.
Ultimately, the way you choose to spread the word about your business is up to you. But remember, keeping a low advertising budget helps you save some money for those rainy day when business is slow. So weigh your options against your budget and do what works best for you and your business.
Guest Writer-Nicole Twum-Baah is the owner of The Brielle Agency, a writing & editing studio specializing in proofreading and light and extensive editing for book manuscripts, business documents and online content. She delights in helping writers achieve their writing dreams, as well as helping businesses put their best faces forward through the content they create online. She loves to write, cook and travel. Connect with her on Twitter @ebrielleagency.