Most marketing experts recommend that businesses spend between 2 and 5 percent of their gross sales on advertising.If you're still growing your business, you might not have the budget for large ad campaigns or focus your capital on other areas.Free ways to reach potential customers and advertise your business are available to you as well.
Step 1: It's time to start a web presence.
The Internet can be used to draw attention to your business.Hundreds of thousands of consumers can be reached by the web.A free website is a good way to do this.You can use a free website to market your products and services.An email address for a business is important.You can make an email address for free.Add a small signature at the bottom of your email for your business.Links to your website, Facebook page, or whatever other online presence you have should be included.
Step 2: Use the social networking site.
Setting up a free account on the social networking site allows you to interact with customers on a personal level.You can see more information on the micro-blogging site.tether your business email to the account and choose a handle that's as close to your name as possible.Your logo can be used as youravatar.It is possible to strengthen your brand by seeing your business logo with every post.Follow current customers, family members, friends and other businesses that you admire.Give shout outs to your loyal customers or host a giveaways if you want to promote your business in a fun way.People will follow you if you give them a reason to do so.
Step 3: You can create a Facebook page.
Setting up a business page on Facebook is free and allows you to interact with your customers.More information can be found on Facebook for Business.Give away limited to people who "like" your profile or share one of your posts, and offer special Facebook-only deals via messages to customers who follow your activity.Many businesses just list their Facebook pages as their business sites.If this is the right course of action for your business, consider it.
Step 4: You can get on the site.
Consumers can review and recommend businesses on the website.You can learn more at the business review site.You can use your Yelp page to post information and special offers, as well as to gauge how well you're serving your customers.Some business owners respond to bad reviews on Yelp by contacting the user directly or posting a reply offering to fix the situation.You can let potential customers know you take their concerns seriously.
Step 5: Stand out on the internet.
You can get found on the internet by using the search engines.All of your business information, including hours, phone number, and website, should be verified.You can add photos, respond to reviews, and post special offers on your listing on the internet.You can build a free, mobile-friendly website in 10 minutes if you let your customers message you directly on Google.
Step 6: There is a free online directory.
Most online directories allow you to upload unlimited products, businesses, and services with a detailed information about such product and also provides a contact form for an individual product where prospective customers can contact product owner one-on-one.You can create your listings.There are products, business or services listed.A good online directory will allow you to increase your market reach by uploading as many listings as possible.Your products will be displayed on the front page.All products uploaded are searched after 24 hours.
Step 7: You can join online communities.
Many industries have online communities where people discuss and share information.A valuable marketing tool is joining and contributing to online communities.It is important to be active in online communities.You may lose customers if you only participate intermittently.You don't need to blatantly advertise for your business in these communities.Make sure your contributions are valuable to the other members, but always put your business name, logo, and links in your signature.
Step 8: Press releases should be written.
Did you open your business?Do you support a charity drive during the holidays?Did you just finish a project?If you want your story to be covered, you should pitch it to your local media outlets.Try radio shows and newspapers.Multiple media sources can help you reach more people.It's possible to write press releases for almost any event in your business.The media will lose interest if you send too many press releases.
Step 9: Talk to columnists.
It's a good idea to build relationships with as many columnists as possible.They might be looking for stories and reaching out to you.A columnist in some newspapers writes about good deals and new businesses.They are the first point of contact.If you run a fishing tackle shop, get in touch with your local newspaper's outdoors columnist.
Step 10: Work for a charity.
Special coverage of charity endeavors will be printed in many newspapers.The charity events are covered by the local media.You could host a small charity drive in which you accept canned food or used-good donations to give to your local shelters or assistance organizations.Mention that your business is sponsoring the event if you contact the newspaper and other media outlets.Without overshadowing the event, display your logo as prominently as possible.You can use your company name and logo on signs, banners, and clothing.Offer a discount to customers who bring in items to donate.This will increase revenue for both you and the charity.
Step 11: Refer people to a program.
Word of mouth is an excellent way to grow your business and you can increase it by seeking referrals from existing customers.Current customers who send you referrals will get a discount or freebie.You could give them referral cards for new customers.If you want existing customers to give you referrals, you need to advertise your program so that they know about it.
Step 12: There are partnerships and alliances.
Refer customers to one another if you team up with other businesses that offer similar services.If you sell greenhouses, you should network with floral shops.It is important to negotiate a deal that is beneficial to both organizations.The increase in buy-in will increase the success of the alliance.You will need to sign agreements with your partners.Legal advice is necessary.
Step 13: You can join community organizations.
Chambers of commerce, service organizations, and other groups are a great way to network.Being an active member of organizations is important.Being a member won't be as effective as being a participating member.Speak with as many people as possible during meetings and events of these organizations.Look for mutually beneficial relationships.If you return the favor, people will send you their way.It's important to make sure you aren't blatantly advertising for your business.Sharing information about your business and expertise is a good way to contribute value to these organizations.
Step 14: There are seminars, workshops, and other educational events.
If you own a space that can hold several people at the same time, you might want to host an event to show people your product.Wine shops and craft stores can host tastings and workshops.