Budget constraints occasionally prevent small firms from putting their marketing plans into action, but not all effective marketing techniques cost a lot of money. Here are six unconventional strategies for cheap and successful small business marketing.
1. Get close.
Customers adore the chance to customize a product. According to studies, 56% of consumers responded that having a customized incentive would increase their consideration of the brand. Think Share a Coke and Customized M&Ms. Try it out and watch how your audience reacts if there is a method for you to allow client customisation. Not sure how to give your company a more personal touch? Offering free monogramming on your inventory of handbags or clothing, or using icing to write the order name on your donuts, anything that gets your customer’s name on your product will work.
2. Encourage customer interaction.
Anything you can do to increase the shareability of your small business in the social environment of today will help with marketing. What could you do that your customers would find Instagram-worthy? Increase your social media presence and create photo opportunities without paying any money. A successful “selfie campaign” promotes sharing and publishing. To encourage others to use your unique hashtag or tag your company in their tweets, you may even include a prize component.
3. Thank you.
How frequently do you express your gratitude to your customers? The impact a simple “thank you” can have on fostering customer loyalty will astound you. According to a TD Bank study, 77 percent of consumers like it when firms show their thanks. While a card can frequently be sufficient, let’s strive to keep in mind that we’re thinking creatively and aim higher. Consider holding a special event where guests can try new culinary dishes or present the newest fashions for the season. Any event that generates excitement and recognizes the audience will be effective. Utilize Meetup.com or another event platform that can attract both existing and potential clients.
4. Create a loyalty scheme.
Establish a strategy to encourage repeat business if you’re losing consumers. 80 percent of Americans In exchange for offers or discounts, Generation Z customers are willing to sign up for loyalty cards. Your loyalty program can be as simple as a punch card or as complex as a membership that awards customers based on how frequently they visit or even how much they spend.
5. Make use of LinkedIn.
One of the social media platforms that is most frequently ignored by small businesses is LinkedIn. Yet why? Despite not being the most fascinating platform, it does offer special options for business marketing. By starting a group and connecting with other local small business owners and possible clients, you may engage with people in your community without ever having to invest any money.
6. Take a poll of your present clients.
Asking your clients will help you choose the marketing and promotion strategies that will be most effective. A quick survey can reveal a wealth of information about your behaviors—both good and bad—as well as what you should be doing but aren’t. Encourage your audience to participate by including a raffle-like element in which one participant will win a gift (such as a $100 credit to your company).
