Four Ways to Market Your Business for Free
For most businesses, the most challenging aspect to success is reaching and maintaining customers. Marketing a business can be both time consuming and expensive, which is often the reason new businesses cannot consistently market their products or services.
Independent companies typically do not have the funds or resources to outsource their marketing needs to professionals, like large corporations can. However, with the increase in technology, there are plenty of marketing tactics small businesses can capitalize on for free.
Here are four of the top free marketing niches small businesses should look into:
- Social Media
One of the best ways to leverage notoriety about your business is to get it on social media. Large and small businesses alike recognize how important it is to have a social media presence for your business. Not only is it free, it is also has the potential to reach hundreds and thousands of customers.
The most difficult aspect to social media is gaining a following in an over saturated market. The key is to focus on quality versus quantity. Determine which social markets best serve your customers, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube, among others.
Additionally, research has shown that those who follow a consistent social media schedule have better success than those who are inconsistent with their posts. In order to be consistent, it is key to have a reliable wifi network at your office, thus whatever device you are using can be used quickly and easily to post an update on Facebook or pin an image on Pinterest. Check out VonageDeals.com for quality wifi packages.
- Local Awareness
Consumers appreciate businesses with a personal story attached, as it makes the business more human and relatable. Reaching out to local papers, websites, and magazines can help increase the recognition of your business. Many local consumers prefer supporting small businesses in their area than they do large, impersonal corporations.
Most community papers will be glad to run a spot on your business, especially if it is beneficial to the community.
- Email Marketing
Currently, email is the most effective marketing technique. It delivers the best ROI even though it is the least difficult to carry out. The most difficult aspect to email marketing is gathering customer emails. On your website or business card, ask customers to sign up for email updates, which will provide them with special promotions, an inside look at the company, and any pertinent information about the business.
Setting up an email campaign is inexpensive, especially if you use a free service, such as MailChimp or Feedburner, which allows business owners to send out emails and targeted campaigns to customers who have subscribed.
- Customer Service
Happy customers are often a business’s greatest marketing tools. Providing great customer service can lead to loyal customers. Loyal customers usually spread the word to their friends and family about their favorite companies, which can dramatically increase the growth of your business.
While marketing can be expensive, it does not have to be. With a bit of creative thinking, you can promote your business for next to nothing.
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