5 Big Tips for Small Business Marketing
Many businesses struggle to determine the most effective way to market their brand and reach their target audience, and for small businesses that have a tight budget, this can be even more challenging. With the help of some digital marketing tactics, there are a number of cost-effective ways for small businesses to grow their brand while becoming established and recognized in their industry. Below are five small business marketing tips that are perfect to use on a tight budget.
Create Content
Fresh, relevant content is something that will never go out of style when it comes to small business marketing, and it will only cost a little bit of your time. Consumers value content that is insightful and that they can relate to. Whether it’s in the form of blog posts, videos or infographics, content that provides valuable information or helps solve a particular problem is valuable in getting the attention of your prospective customers. The key with content is to be consistent. In other words, don’t go weeks without providing any content. If you’re struggling with coming up with new topics and ideas, consider sharing something about current events or repurpose old content. In the long run, this helps establish your brand as an authority in your industry and can be a key tool in growing your business.
Social Media Presence
Nearly everyone is on social media, including much of your target audience. A great way to reach them while establishing brand recognition is by creating a strong social media presence for your business. While some platforms such as Facebook do offer paid advertising, the organic aspect of social media can be cost-effective and obtainable for many small businesses because the platforms themselves are free. To get the most out of social media platforms, keep up on posts and interact with your followers on a daily basis. Respond to comments and share your own pieces of content, as well as other articles that your followers may find interesting and useful.
Know the Ins-and-Outs of SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most cost-effective digital strategies that small businesses can utilize. Most consumers turn to the internet first to find products or services, and SEO is what determines where your business ranks in the search results. Ideally, you want to have a strong knowledge of SEO best practices to ensure you rank high and consumers find your business online. Social media links, as well as content and meta data that incorporate relevant keywords, are crucial for SEO. However, there are a number of other factors to consider, as well. For example, page load speed, a mobile-friendly website and consistent business information across the internet are all factors that determine your organic ranking. Remember, SEO is not something that shows results overnight. This is a long-term strategy that will pay off in the long run and is well worth the time investment.
Build Customer Lists
Repeat customers can be a huge asset to small businesses. One of the most cost-effective ways to keep track of your existing customers is to build and maintain lists that can also be used for email or direct mail marketing. Email and direct mail marketing are two small business marketing strategies that are cost-effective and don’t require a lot of time once you’ve perfected your customer list, making them ideal for small businesses. These are great strategies for keeping your business top-of-mind with current customers while also giving you the ability to send more personalized and targeted brand messaging. Use email and direct mail material to send monthly newsletters or tie them into other marketing efforts for a consistent brand image.
Network
Networking is a small business marketing strategy that can cost you close to nothing and get your brand noticed on a wider scale. Plan ahead and set aside time to attend conferences, join workshops or participate in online webinars. During these events, you can connect with industry partners as well as prospective customers to boost brand awareness, all while gaining insight and perspective into your industry’s latest trends. Even outside of particular events, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone who can help your business grow, either as a customer or industry professional. You never know who you will meet, so be sure to carry business cards with you everywhere!
We are Small Business Marketing Experts
Strategic Marketing is a full-service advertising agency that has helped countless small businesses over the last 25 years achieve their marketing goals. Our expertise lies in both digital and traditional marketing methods, so we can develop a full-spectrum small business marketing plan that is custom-tailored to your business’s needs. Visit our contact page to get in touch with us today, or call (561) 688-8155 to speak with a marketing expert.
