It's been said the best things in life are free. But what about marketing your small business? Lacking a consistent budget, some integrated marketers assume they have few options. But they'd be wrong.
An article from wix.com (a leading source for free and low-cost websites),
shares 24 (count 'em - 24!) marketing methods that only cost you time. Here are ten of them to get those wheels turning.
- Ask happy clients to share their happy experiences
Everyone knows that word of mouth marketing is worth its weight in gold.
And the best part of it is, it doesn't need to cost you a thing. Make a habit of asking satisfied customers to write a testimonial for you. Better yet, promote the idea of having them leave reviews on social proof sites like Yelp and Google My Business.
Speaking of word of mouth marketing, make sure the words that come out of your mouth express your best self to prospects. Boil those benefits down to 30 seconds or so. Then use your mini-presentation to get a conversation started.
Replace the standard sales pitch with something of real value. A complimentary consultation provides a perfect platform to reveal a bit of yourself - along with what your company offers - in a pressure-free way.
Got news? Bust out your storytelling chops, pen a press release and shoot it off to several PR submission sites. The wix.com blog shares a list of PR websites that welcome submissions.
Guest blogging creates the opportunity to spread your message to a wider audience than you might have on your own blog. Be on the lookout for blogs with a sizable readership.
wix.com presents a smart strategy: "Instead of asking for entries, get contest participants to share your content for you. Save money on prizes by offering you own product or service." And voila: A no-cost, buzz-creating event!
Whether it's volunteer work or joining the local chamber of commerce, getting involved in your community puts you in the spotlight in a highly personal way. Remember, local events can raise your profile far faster (and way more cheaply) than regional or national advertising.
- Build alliances around the people you already do business with
Today's contractors and vendors could become tomorrow's brand ambassadors. Devote some quality time to forging strong and lasting business relationships.
Joining online directories can enhance link building, leading to better search engine results. wix.com shares a dozen directories to try.
Show special customers how much you care by sharing limited time offers exclusively for them.
In conclusion, when it comes to integrated marketing, "free" is not a four-letter word. In fact, it's actually quite freeing to explore how much you can accomplish with little-to-no budget.
Have a little more to spend? Read how to Turn Your Marketing Into An 800 Pound Guerrilla without breaking the bank.
