Who can blame solopreneurs, entrepreneurs and small business owners for looking thoroughly at where they spend their marketing dollars? The options seem countless, and some strategies work better than others. Below, I gathered seven free and low-cost ideas for budget-conscious people running their own business that are worth considering.
Cross-promote your products and services with other local businesses
Teaming up with other small businesses provides an opportunity to get bigger exposure to your potential clients. You can combine your resources for promotional materials before an event. Add each other’s logos and send info out to your client list for an extended reach. Successful cross-promotion opportunities can include a co-branded resource booklet, a co-produced informational video, a shared booth at a local fair, and even shared coworking space.
Ask for referrals
Once you’ve been able to show your skills, or sold products and have satisfied customers, it’s time to ask for referrals. Referrals are free to ask and give, so don’t be shy, and take advantage of this resource. People trust other people’s recommendations, and word of mouth is the best marketing.
Start a contest and promote it in all your online and offline groups
Most of us love playing games or enter challenges, so why not make it fun, and create a contest. You can offer a gift basket of your products, provide tickets to an upcoming event, or raffle a gift card.
Sign up for the Help a Reporter Out (HARO) email list
It’s a less known resource, but it can be a valuable one for you and your business. HARO collects reporter requests from a number of newspapers, magazines, and online media outlets. They’re looking for experts in different topics to quote and contribute. Imagine what it would mean to your business if you get exposed in a national magazine. It might require some due diligence to keep your eyes out for the opportunity in your area of expertise, and several submissions before yours gets accepted.
Add or claim your business on Google My Business
This is an untapped marketing opportunity for many still. Even though Google + went away, claiming your business and filling out as many details as you can will get you visibility on Google. You can also post here on a regular basis to increase traffic on your website, or on Google Maps. There are rumors that Google My Business will become a paying option, so take advantage of it while it’s free.
Plan a local business workshop
Depending on your marketing goal, you can offer it free, or charge a small fee. At the very least, you can collect contact info from people new to you. You may want to use this opportunity to talk up another event or promote your products or services.
Advertise on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram
You can expect more engagement and brand recognition if you include paid campaigns in your social media efforts. A well-designed and targeted ad is still very reasonable compared to magazine or TV ads. Choose the appropriate platform depending on the type of your business. You can expect most success on LinkedIn if you serve other businesses, Instagram if you run a creative business, like jewelry, and other art. Facebook ads target most other potential clients.
Even if you run a small business or a part-time side business, there are countless opportunities to market what you have to offer. Explore some of these options or find your own perfect fit.
Monika Anderson is an entrepreneur and a small business marketing specialist based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She started her own digital marketing agency in 2016, called Kameleon Digital Marketing. She serves clients in the IT, travel, health and wellness, finance, and banking industries. She enjoys exploring new marketing ideas and has a passion to guide small business owners through the intricacies of online marketing.
