Many businesses spend a fortune on online ads, like Facebook Ads or Google Ads…
Absolutely nothing wrong with that, assuming it works and is carefully monitored.
Yet any business can take full advantage of multiple free and lo-cost advertising and marketing opportunities.
A few thoughts on lo-cost / no-cost ways to promote your business…
☑️ SOCIAL MEDIA
One of the most effective ways to promote your business is to become active on social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter. The best place to start making an impact is on the channel that fits best with your brand and where your ideal customers can most readily be found. Concentrate your efforts on that one channel before branching out.
☑️ NETWORKING
Few business owners genuinely know how to network or what networking actually involves. It’s worth saying, that the majority of these opportunities require consistent action. I hear many people who will try going to an event once or a conference once a year… then complain that networking doesn’t produce results. Networking on a regular basis across different types of networking groups and events, along with following up with leads and business opportunities, will pay dividends. You get out what you put in…
☑️ FREE RESOURCES
Registering your business across online directories like Yell and Google My Business are no-brainers and you should be aware that making occasional updates are important for search algorithms and customer perception.
☑️ CONTENT MARKETING
Another great way to get exposure for your business is through generating content. Publishing content of interest to your audience can keep you front of mind for your customers and provide value weeks and months (sometimes years) after your created it. This can include blogs, social media posts, live and recorded video content, case studies, interviews, research and so on. Also, why not appear on someone else’s podcast or YouTube video?
☑️ PR
There are a whole range of PR activities that don’t cost very much and doesn;t have to involve hiring a PR firm. You can issue press releases that receive wide distribution quite easily these days. And there are some extremely effective methods to gain publicity by targeting the right people (journalists, influencers, media outlets) with usable content, which they can easily circulate.
☑️ EMAIL MARKETING
If your provide your ideal customers with a good enough reason to share their email address with you, email marketing still works a treat. Don’t insukts them with a hard sell, but regular emails (less can be more) can be a great way to keep your list up to date with what you’re doing and can offer them.
☑️ JVs & PARTNERSHIPS
Partner with other businesses to increase your visibility and reach. Strategic partnerships and joint ventures can be useful in promoting your business and finding new customers.