We talk a lot about inexpensive marketing strategies, but let’s be honest. You’re small, and if you’re just starting out, even “inexpensive” can be beyond your budget.
Don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to market your small business for a zero-dollar fee — or at least 10 ways, as the headline implies. Here they are!
#1: Social Media
This shouldn’t come as a shock — because we’ve touted it a gazillion times — but social media is 100% free.
Yes, you can certainly pay to play, but if you’re looking for a bare-bones, no-financial-investment-necessary strategy, social media (think Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and more) is it!
#2: Start a Blog
Blogging goes hand-in-hand with social media, but it’s a bit more labor-intensive in that you have to create great content that your social media followers or website fans will come back to read time and time again.
#3: Guest Blogging
Here is the recipe for success:
– Follow blogs associated with your trade
– Comment regularly
– Contact the blog owner for a quid pro quo arrangement regarding your small business
The idea is simple. You give them something (namely, a blog post), and they give you something (in the way of a bio, and a link to your small business’ website.
#4: Press Releases
Have you done something amazing? Alert the local media! While not every press release gets its 15 minutes of fame, if you’ve done it correctly, you stand a better-than-average chance of getting your shot at the limelight!
#5: Donate Your Time
It may seem a bit self-serving, but volunteering can lead to invaluable contacts, especially if your fellow volunteers are “connected.” Don’t be afraid to talk about who you are and what you do. You never know who’s listening! Speaking of which …
#6: Network
Talk to people. Your friends, your neighbors — heck, even your friends’ neighbors! Talk up your business as much as you possibly can. Perfect your elevator pitch so you can spiel it off in a pinch — you never know who will come out of the blue and help you along the way!
#7: Join Professional Groups/Networks
What do you do? Are you a baker? A lawn care professional? An independent financial guru?
Whatever it is, find like-minded people. Chances are, your professional network will have plenty of connections of their own, which they’ll be more than willing to share!
#8: Host an “Open House”
Granted, this is easier if you have a brick-and-mortar store; however, an open house is nothing more than a place to show off your wares — physical, virtual or otherwise!
Make sure to promote your event prominently on your social media pages and website so your fans know when (and where) to attend!
#9: Participate in Forums
The fantastic thing about forums is that they exist for everything. Find the one that represents your small business and post in it to your heart’s content. Just make sure to link back to your website at every turn!
#10: Testify! (Or Have Your Fan Base Do It for You)
Do you have an enthusiastic fan of your product or service? Great! Ask them to share the word far and wide on your website and social media pages! A testimonial from a satisfied customer can do more for your small business than any amount of advertising ever could!
Your small business has a small budget — but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out! Free marketing opportunities are everywhere!
Do you need more information on how to market yourself for free (or at least inexpensively)? Mischa Communications can help! Send us an email or call us today!