Your marketing budget is a little tight these days. While business has improved, you’re not ready to jump in headfirst and revamp your brand just yet (although you know it’s a priority). You need some extra exposure and you’ve got some time (but not much) and a small budget to work with. What do you do?
Business owners often get paralyzed by the word “marketing” because they think they are not qualified to do the job. And they are right; marketing is best left to professionals.
But, if you consider that marketing is about getting word out about your company, you can accomplish that with things other than a fancy brochure or an expensive marketing plan. It’s about spreading the word about your company — and there are many ways you can accomplish that goal. (And if the word “marketing” scares you, call it PR, sales, networking … or simply, getting the word out about your company.)
Here are some inexpensive (even free) ways to help increase your exposure.
- Guerrilla marketing. Guerrilla marketing, started by Jay Conrad Levinson, is an advertising strategy that uses a combination of unconventional (and low-cost) ways to reach a target market. Just like guerilla warfare, it’s about thinking outside the box and employing all tactics to achieve your goal. This example of how two girls convinced their dad to buy them a puppy is a good illustration. No money spent — and they got their puppy.
- Get out and meet people. Do you belong to a local business chamber or industry association? If you do, make sure you are making the most of your memberships through networking opportunities, trade shows and other programs. And if you don’t, make sure to check out your options. Depending on where you live, some businesses only “buy local” so belonging to a chamber makes good sense.
- Send out a press release. While we live in a digital world, print still exists — and print publications often have an online presence as well. Especially if your customers come from your immediate area, make sure you send press releases (you can write these yourself) to local media outlets when you have new hires, promotions or other company news. This is a more subtle way to promote your existence and also show your company’s growth and success.
- Call the media. Do you have an interesting story about yourself or your business? This article includes five angles that can help you get some news coverage by the media. Does your story fit into any of these angles?
- Online directories. Make sure your company is listed in online directories and Google Places. People won’t contact you if they can’t find you!
Those are my tips. Do you have any suggestions for inexpensive ways to bring in new business?
Bridget
