Getting the word out about your business is one thing. Getting the word out to the right people at the right time is another. Marketing depends on getting that right eyes/right timing mix just right. That’s why most small business owners correctly view marketing as an essential daily activity. Marketing on a daily basis can get expensive quickly, though. That’s why I’ve come up three free small business marketing strategies to help you reach new and existing customers. Here we go!
- Ask Your Target Audience
Create a survey – there are plenty of online tools like Survey Monkey to choose from – and go right to the source. If you ask your target market, they’ll not only tell you what they want, they’ll tell you how they want to receive it (i.e.: digital vs physical), and what they’re willing to pay for it - Create A Contest
A contest doesn’t need to have an expensive prize at the end – a t-shirt or other small giveaway will suffice. The goal is to get people competing for something connected to the product or service you offer. Sweepstakes and contests are a simple low-cost way to grab a lot of attention. - Find A Strategic Partner
Strategic partners are fellow SBOs who share your target market but aren’t your direct competition. For example, a graphic designer and copywriter, chef and grocer, caterer and event planner. See how that works? Market, promote, and refer clients to and for each other, and everybody wins.
Not all marketing strategies need to cost a fortune or take up an exorbitant amount of time. Of course, I’m biased, but one of the most effective marketing strategies you can implement for your small business is creating – or commissioning – clear, concise, succinct, copy that grabs attention, piques interest, and drives sales.
Finding just the right set of marketing methods to tempt potential clients and customers your way is the goal of every marketer – and if you’re a small business owner, you are a marketer. Which of the small business marketing strategies listed above have you tried? Which are you planning to try? Tell us in the comments and help inspire another small business owner.