When you are starting a small business, you are most likely to have all it takes to run it in terms of competency, zeal, and even talent. However, so are your competitors. To stand out in the market, you need to thoroughly promote your small business. The good news is, there are effective ways to promote your business, which don’t call for special expertise or a lot of money. Take a look at these six suggestions.
1. Set up a Google My Business Account
As the digital era advances, more people are relying heavily on Google for information. They go to Google to find out about the businesses in their area. To tap into the huge online clientele, it would be best to set up a Google My Business Account. It is a free and easy-to-use tool that goes a long way in enhancing your online presence.
Through your GMB profile, potential customers can see directions to your business, hours of operation, and a phone number. To get the most out of it, ensure that the information is correct and consistent.
2. Email Marketing Strategy
Being a small business owner, you might be facing resource constraints. However, email marketing software comes in handy, with several benefits, yet it doesn’t require significant investment. Although you might part with some money when sending thousands of emails at once, it’s nothing compared to conventional marketing channels. Even better, you don’t need a huge marketing team to get started. You can also use email marketing software to see whether your strategy is working, and if not, you can see where you are going wrong.
3. Press Releases
Contrary to popular belief, press releases are not reserved for Fortune 500 companies. Even as a small business owner, you can get the word about your business out there through a press release- no questions asked. Besides cementing your brand name across the internet, a press release gives you a chance to show people the uniqueness of your business.
4. Join a Community for Entrepreneurs
When you are running a small business, you’ve got to look for ways to do better each day. Undoubtedly, you can get new ideas and inspiration from anywhere. It could be from the customers’ feedback or from other entrepreneurs, which is why joining a community is important. In a community of entrepreneurs, you get a chance to meet people from all walks of life, ranging from seasoned entrepreneurs to newbies. To connect with them, look for upcoming events in your niche.
5. Embrace Social Media
There is no denying it – social media has become an integral part of running any business. Promoting your brand through social media would entail posting images and videos and even paid social media advertising. Notably, there are several social media marketing platforms. However, before you dive right into it, take some time to lay out a strategy. For instance, the nature of your business could determine which social media platform is ideal for you.
6. Free or Discounted Products/Services
Everyone would love to get a product for free or at a discounted price. As a small business owner, you can use this strategy to attract new customers. While you might take a loss from the strategy, it can be an effective way to pull in market share.
The most important part of promoting your business is planning. During the planning stage, you can identify your target market and which method would work best.
