How does your marketing budget look? When you’re running a small business, every penny counts. If you have limited resources, you can still launch creative and successful marketing programs. Here are five easy and thrifty ways to attract new customers.
1. Nail Down an Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a short and sweet way to promote your products or services. Usually 30 seconds or so, a pitch can act as a micro-marketing tool. It’s a great way to make a good first impression and spark interest in your business.
- Example: SkateXS produces quality, lightweight, environmentally sustainable bamboo skate boards sized just right for kids aged 5 to 12
This succinct sentence from a SmartBiz Loans customer hits all points needed for a good pitch. When you craft yours, Include your company name, product or service, target consumers and why you’re unique.
Practice your pitch and you’ll be ready to promote your business in any situation.
2. Collaborate
If you’re running a small business, you might feel like you’re alone on an island. However, there are lots of ways to connect with others to increase sales and identify new opportunities.
Shopify has solid ideas to help you get started here: Squad Goals: Four Collaboration Ideas to Boost Your Small Business’ Sales
Don’t forget to support other small businesses if you can. From cleaning services to promotional materials, skip large corporations and hire another entrepreneur.
3. Build Your Network
Networking is more than shaking hands and passing out business cards. It’s the lifeblood of most businesses. Getting your name out there and building relationships are keys to any successful business, regardless of your industry. The SmartBiz Small Business Blog has easy way to help you get started.
4. Leverage Your Community
If your customers come mostly from your local community, do you have strategies to reach those shoppers? There are lots of creative ways to get involved in your community including:
- Hold a fundraising event for a local charity, school or sports team
- Sponsor a local sports team in exchange for a banner promoting your business on the field, in the gym or on uniforms
- Volunteer to help at a community event wearing branded shirts or hats identifying your business
Visit the SmartBiz Blog for more easy-to-implement ideas: Local Marketing Strategies
5. Explore Social Media
Have you dipped your toe into the social media waters? If not, do it now! Creating a social media profile – on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Yelp – is relatively easy and 100% free.
Your profiles should include professional-looking photos, targeted copy and contact information.
If you don’t have the bandwidth or know-how, consider bringing on an hourly contractor to set up, run and monitor accounts. A social media specialist should have advanced knowledge of how social media advertising can reach your current and potential customers. Check out our blog post How to Hire a Social Media Strategist for additional information.
