It’s important in business to get the word out, to let people know that you exist, and thatyou have a product or service they might need or desire. In this article, we will explore eight cost-free ways to better market your business. You may use any of these methods, or all of these, but they are freely available to you. Here they are in reverse order:
8. You should already have a business website. If you don’t, get your own domain name and develop a web presence! Tip for marketing Number 8 is this: make sure you link your website to other business sites, also known as reciprocal links. If you do business with a supplier or contractor, ask their webmaster to include a link to your site on their home page. It’s networking for the digital age!
7. Search local and national website directories to see how other people will find your business. If you are not listed, then contact the site to get started. If you are already listed, but it takes you a long time to locate your business, then you can be sure your clients will have a hard time locating you too! (Some directories are free and some are paid. It’s best to evaluate your needs for your business to see if you can pay for listings, or just go with the free ones.) Explore ways for your clients to find you in a web-search faster.
6. Partner with other small businesses that are similar to yours, and capitalize on advertising resources. Advertising can be expensive, but it pays huge dividends. Network with your local Chamber of Commerce, newsletters, inserts in the local paper, direct mail, door fliers, or car windshield fliers. By networking with other similar small businesses, you reduce costs and it also gives you street credibility by association, and can help you to stand out in the crowded market place.
5. Look for opportunities for trading goods for services. By trading small amounts of your product for services such as book-keeping, advertising, promotions, etc. you enhance your networking and save money. If you perform a service, then you can consider trading your services for others’ products.
4. Put your logo on EVERYTHING! If you don’t have a logo…go to a professional graphic designer and develop one. No business is complete without a sign that is recognizable. Then put your logo on your car, on t-shirts, name-tags, sales fliers, invoices, letterhead, envelopes, and outside your home or building. You should be proud of your business, and people need to know you exist.
3. We’ve said it before but it bears repeating because it’s that important: Networking. Talk to everyone. Develop in yourself the idea that there are no such things as strangers. Talk to people at civic organizations, groups, monthly meetings, and clubs. From these meetings, you will develop self-confidence and pride in your business, but you will also help to develop for your business what is called a target market – knowledge of those specific people which need or desire your product or service. Word of mouth is the cheapest way of spreading the word regarding your new business!
2. Once you are open for business, hold an Open House or Ribbon-Cutting. This kind of official event attracts the eye of the public, and lets people know you are open for business. Have a charity (such as the Salvation Army) come and do a fund-raiser at the time of your grand opening, and it will add positive value in how the public perceives your company. Plan in advance, and publicize your event on local radio and TV spots.
And the number one free marketing idea is:
1. If you don’t have business cards, get them. There are places online such as Vista Print that will help you produce professional-looking business cards for free, and excellent ones for low cost. Then, once you have your business cards, leave your business cards at coffee shops, book stores, supermarket bulletin boards, and anywhere that allows it. Some companies may have a jar by the door for that purpose. If they don’t, speak to the store or restaurant manager about starting one. Replace them frequently. Approach other business professionals with similar products and services, and “swap” cards…you carry theirs, and they carry yours…in order to get the word out that you are OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Hopefully one or more of these free marketing ideas has been helpful to you, or perhaps something you see here has sparked an idea of your own for better marketing your individual business. Now go out there and implement your ideas, and watch your business bloom and grow!