Promoting a business can be a challenge if you have limited funds to work with. Thankfully, there are inexpensive methods to increase customer interest. Step outside of the box a little bit. Get creative. Playing by the same rules as everyone else will just level the playing field; you want to be in another league.
Join the Social Media Frenzy
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and several more social media sites are free to join. While they may seem exclusive to college students and big name brands, jumping on this band wagon can give your business a huge lead. When someone “likes” your page, you can advertise to them any time you want. However, be careful not to spam their walls. That’s a good way to get “unliked.”
YouTube
For those that don’t want to spend the time reading about your business, create a YouTube video that is catchy yet informative. Demonstrate your product, introduce yourself, and encourage customers to visit. It is also a good way to start conversations via the internet.
Give Out Freebies
People love free stuff. Even if they have to buy something in order to get the free item, customers feel as though they are getting a fantastic deal. It’s tempting to want to make as much money as possible as soon as you open, but giving away free items will increase the number of customers who show an interest in your shop, and that provides a more stable income over the long term. Some of the most cost-effective freebies are pens, bookmarks, wristbands and lanyards. They are actually useful, so the customers will see them over and over again, and you can buy them in bulk at a low cost.
Hold a Contest
The only thing more fun than getting free stuff is getting something for free that you won. Hold a contest of some sort. Maybe for every $10 a customer spends, they get placed in a drawing. Make it exciting and interesting. It will draw people in and get people talking.
Make Friends in the Field
Your business is most likely getting some supplies from another source. Ask that business to put in a good word for you in exchange for you doing the same. For example, if you make jewelry, ask the bead seller to use your work as an example or mention your website on their website. When someone looks at your jewelry, recommend the bead shop. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Mix Pleasure with Potential
Use your leisure hobbies to promote your business. If you like to write, write an article about your business. If you like to play music, introduce yourself as the owner of a business. Don’t take away from your enjoyment, but make the most out of every opportunity.
Give Demonstrations or Speeches
Libraries, radio stations, and business groups are always looking for people to speak. They may ask you to give a demonstration of your product, discuss how you went about getting a loan, or even balancing your business with your family. No matter what you talk about, it is advertisement if you mention your business.
Advertise on Wheels
Custom Promo Plates, the border that surrounds your actual plates, can be designed and relatively cheap. With this method, you are advertising literally every time you leave the house. This way, even if you don’t mention your business, there is a good chance that someone will take an interest.
Create a New Signature
Make sure that every piece of paper and email that you send out to anyone has your business name listed on it somewhere. It doesn’t need to be a long description; the name and contact information is enough. Change your email settings and create a signature that will automatically be added to every message you send.
Business Cards
Every business has business cards, but most keep them in their wallet or on the counter of their shop. Try “accidentally” leaving a couple cards at locations that attract the customers you think would be a good fit. If your business specializes in cookware, place some cards in the cookbook section of the nearest bookstore. Just be careful not to litter or step on anyone else’s toes. For example, don’t leave the same business cards in another cookware store.
These inexpensive methods of promoting a business are effective without breaking the bank. Experiment with a couple to see which works best for you. Change it up every once in a while to keep it interesting. Most importantly, have fun with it. When the business is having fun, the customers will feel at greater ease.
This post was written by D. Carter on behalf of Netbrands, one of the largest producers of wristbands and lanyards.