When marketing for small business comes up, many think it only involves creating a business card and some signs, and you’re good to go. Well, that’s not always the case. The landscape of marketing has changed, along with small business development. No longer can this type of business stay on the sidelines and not market on a much larger scale. Simply maintaining your existing marketing plan probably won’t get you the kind of return on your investment in today’s competitive business world.
Let’s face it, marketing can be expensive. Print costs are higher, postage rates aren’t what they used to be, and hiring a marketing firm can get costly. That’s why it pays to think competitively when marketing for small business.
We’ve offered some marketing tips to get you started:
1) Unfortunately, your type of business cannot afford to simply spend marketing budgets just to do brand building. With a limited budget, you want your marketing efforts leading to direct sales. Promote a sale, coupon, limited time offer, or a special with your marketing. It’s key to offer something that will get your clients in the door to purchase.
2) Market to your existing client base. You already know they are great customers, so why not turn them into even better customers? Try to “up-sell” your customers with add-ons, additional purchases, accessories to what they’ve already purchased, upgrades, or new items and services that have just been released. You’ve already developed a rapport with these customers, so why not capitalize on this relationship further?
3) If you aren’t already online, establish a website. Many of those who are in the same boat fail to see the value of hosting a website. However, even if your customers aren’t purchasing online, they are now searching for your products or services online. What’s more, ensure your website is SEO-optimized. Make sure your prospective clients can find you when they type in their searches to the search engines.
4) Email marketing. If you don’t already utilize this marketing tool, it’s time to start. Many low-cost services offer templates to use so it isn’t even necessary to know any specific software or programs. Build up your email marketing list on your own or through your website. Just be careful not to spam.
5) Get more “bang for your buck” by co-advertising with another partner company. Both businesses will benefit from a co-sponsored event or ad, plus you’ll share in the costs.
Try to combine some of these marketing for small business tips and track what’s working for your own business. That way, you can incorporate what’s working in your marketing and eliminate what isn’t working. With a well-developed plan, you’ll market your small business to the next level.