Marketing can be expensive especially for small businesses that have limited start-up funds. Small businesses need to put themselves on the map using marketing tactics to stand out from a competitive environment. Good news is that some marketing tips are inexpensive and sometimes free.

Here are ways you can market your small business that doesn't break the bank.

Social media

Most of the world is on social media this is why it is important for your small business to take advantage of social media. With social media, you can get your business in front of a lot of potential customers. It is important to have accounts on all social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Your business can pay for advertising on social media. The importance of social media is not only having it you also need to be putting up good content.

Use alternative advertisement 

For many small businesses, ad campaigns are out of their budget. Small businesses can use Google ads and Facebook ads which are inexpensive alternatives compared to traditional advertisements. Google ads and Facebook ads offer advertising discount codes as part of their membership offerings which is perfect for small businesses that can’t spend too much money on advertising. With Google ads and Facebook ads, you can see how your ads are doing and how they are getting to your business which makes it easier to manage. 

Website

All small businesses need a website because it is where potential customers get their first impressions of your business. When people search for your business, your website should show up at the top of the results. If people are looking for products or services in your area, your web page should also be one of the first things to show up in the results. Your business can improve your website’s chances of showing up in search results through SEO. SEO is 

Word of mouth

If your customer encounters great customer service they will likely return or talk about that great experience with friends and family. Word of mouth is very important to get more people to know about your business so give them a positive customer service experience that they will remember. One person's recommendation can turn from one potential client to fifteen from someone's inner circle. This is also the least inexpensive because you aren’t paying people to talk about you. They are doing it willingly because they received an amazing experience with your business. 

Ask for referrals

It is simple to ask for referrals but many are hesitant to because they don’t want to bother clients. People also do not ask for referrals because they feel that they will sound desperate. It is best to be direct and just ask for referrals through an email, online, in-person, or at the bottom anything you send to customers. Your small business can also do referral incentives that can help you make more sales in the long run and create a strong buzz around your services if they get a discount for referring to someone else. 

Email marketing

It is important to collect emails from clients to email market to them. On your website, you can motivate people to sign up for newsletters with incentives such as deals. Maybe even create an exclusive newsletter for loyal customers that has different content than your blog to make your clients feel important. With a newsletter, you stay in regular contact with your customers which will get them to always remember your business.

Join networking groups

Networking is key because it is one of the fastest, easiest, and most effective ways to build meaningful relationships that can help grow your business. If your business hasn't already joined a networking group then you need to join networking groups in your community. Before maybe you felt you did not have the time to meet with a group in your busy schedule. Now with Covid, you can’t meet face to face but groups are still meeting remotely so join one now and go to meet when you have time.

To see how bOnline can help your small business with inexpensive ways to market, check out our packages, or call our team on 0203 697 4166.