You don’t have to spend a fortune to market your local business. We have compiled a list of unique, fun ways to advertise your small business.
Hosting a competition is one of the best ways to boost your social media engagement. People love the idea of winning free items, and in return, you’ll gain exposure for your business. Request that social media followers share your page with others to earn entry into your competition. You can also make it more creative and request that entries share a photograph or video of them using your product or service. Prizes can be as small or as large as you want. You can even offer discounted or free services, offering even more business exposure.
Sponsoring a local event is an excellent way to highlight your brand within your own community. Sponsor a fun holiday outing or youth sports team. Provide attendees with free items with your business name and logo on them, ensuring they remember you later. Putting your company name on fun items that guests take home with them, including promotional foam #1 hands, means they’ll have easy access to your information when they need it most. Other promotional items that typically do well with event attendees include pens, pencils, and drink covers. Networking with your neighbors is also a great way to expand your market reach. People are typically more willing to support a business when they know the owners, and letting your neighbors know about your business is a great way to do this. Ensure you always have enough promotional swag to give to your neighbors and friends.
You could also partner with neighboring businesses to bring more awareness to the small business owners in your community. For example, if you have a small shop, consider swapping products with another business owner to gain more reach. You can also display coupons or discounts to nearby businesses in your own storefront. You could also co-host an event together or share costs in sponsoring a neighborhood event.
A blog can be a fun way to engage with your potential customers in a different way. Blogs allow your customers to learn more about the person behind the business. You can also use your blog to share tips and tricks for using your product or to share reasons they need your service. Many customers also appreciate how-to videos within blogs. Use this to connect with your customers and answer some of their most frequently asked questions. As a bonus, strategic blogs with carefully placed local-based keywords can also help you find new customers in your area. You and other business owners can help one another by cross-posting and guest posting on each other’s blogs, helping you reach a wider audience.
Writing a book allows you to position yourself as an industry expert while earning another source of income. Whether you sell products or services, a book related to your industry can help you expand. Work with a publisher or self-publish your book. You might even offer copies of your book to neighbors and friends. If a book isn’t your thing, consider starting a newsletter instead. People love videos, and YouTube can be a great way to connect with your customers. Create a YouTube channel or podcast with helpful tips relevant to your industry. Invite other experts in the industry to share their expertise with your followers. For example, if you’re a local real estate agent, you might host a FAQ podcast with a lender. If you’re a wedding planner, you might schedule an event with different venues in your area. Business-sponsored channels or podcasts can be an extremely effective tool to add to your digital market strategy. In-person classes or online webinars can also promote your business. Offer free DIY or educational classes to meet new potential customers. Invite attendees to reach out to you with any additional questions. Ensure you have enough promotional materials for all attendees to take home.
New customers are more likely to try a new product or service when a trusted friend or family member recommends it. Creating a referral program encourages your current customers to share your business with others. In return, you may offer them a discount or free item to thank them for new business.
Marketing a small business isn’t always easy, but you can get the word out with the right materials and planning. Network with your neighbors and other small business owners in the area, stock up on promotional items and get creative with your social media or online video accounts.
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