With inflation running rampant and the rising costs of most goods and services, your marketing and advertising may have been forced to the bottom of your budget. However, getting people to know you exist is crucial to being successful these days. How do you manage to advertise your business and keep costs as low as possible? Let me tell you about a few tools we use to be successful in these ever changing times.
1. Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get your small business noticed. Just by having one means that when potential customers search a general term or are looking for a niche item, Google will provide your profile based on how relevant it is to their search. A good example would be, if you search for “tattoo near me,” Google will serve you a list of businesses that have used “tattoo” in their profiles. The customer can contact the business directly, send an email, view their website or view them on a map to get directions. Setting up a profile is super easy, but put some thought into your listing, give them all the information they need, this will show more credibility, Google will give your business and serve it to the public.
But wait there's more! you get access to Google analytics and this will allow you to see how your business performs, show you how the customers found you so you then can make better decisions when marking marketing and business decisions.
2. Social Media
Social media has got to be a key part of your marketing strategy. Here are a few social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and Twitter. First, do a little research and figure out what is best for you. Facebook and LinkedIn are normally good for businesses, but you may find your consumer may spend most of their time on Instagram and TikTok.
Start by just choosing one platform and regularly creating good high-quality, unique, and engaging content. Investigate which hashtags and include social proof like testimonials in your posts. Play around with it and experiment with different content to see what your audience likes. Be sure to engage with your audience as well. All social media platforms seem to favor accounts that post and who engage regularly.
3. Referrals
Referrals are one of the best ways to grow your business organically and they help you build trust and credibility throughout your community. People influence people, so when a current customer shares their awesome experience with your business with a friend, that friend is more likely to become your customer just based on the trust friends have with one another..
Begin by making sure to ask! Regular practice of asking customers to refer your service to their friends and family. You can even take it a step further by incentivizing them with a discount or reward for helping acquire new business. After all this form of marketing was FREE!
4. Reach Out to Smaller Reviewers & “Influencers”
This would work like referrals, you can build credibility by creating partnerships with similar businesses. Work with companies that would offer services that compliment your business.. A good example, if you rent surfboards, you might consider partnering with a local surf school. You would refer your customers to their company and vice versa. This type of exchange among business owners is more than valuable because it allows both businesses to benefit, driving a loyal customer base. Customers generally are more likely to go with a referral from a company they already know and trust. It also saves them time as it might take a bit to do the research themselves.
Explore Free Ways to Grow Your Business
Don't be afraid to try something new, you never know, you could be the next Amazon. Not all of these tips are quick ways to grow your small business, most will take time to develop properly and organically. They will be worth the extra effort. Whether you are trying to build your business from the ground up or have been in business for years, these strategies will help you be stronger without having to spend all your hard earned money.
Comments