Marketing is a critical component of running a business. It allows businesses to establish and maintain a long-lasting relationship with their target audience. Today, there are many advertising channels that people can use to market their businesses. However, to get value for your hard-earned money, you need to identify an advertising channel that brings value to your business. So, are you looking for cost-effective ways to promote your small local business? If yes, then today you have landed in the right place. Below are 10 low-cost advertising options to market your small business.
1. Google my business
If you are looking for an effective way to market your small business for free, then Google my business is a good option for you. Most customers usually turn to Google my business when looking for a reputable small business within their locality. So, if you have not used this free marketing platform, then you are losing a lot. Google my business is a free platform created by Google that allows businesses to create business profiles and listings that will appear on Google maps and Google searches.
For example, when someone searches for “garage near me”, a list of local garages will appear. If you list your business in Google my business, then customers will easily locate it on Google search engine and Google maps. Important information that you need to include when creating a Google my business for your business include your business contact information (phone number, address, and website) and your operating hours. Google my business will provide useful analytics, including how my times your listing has been viewed.
2. Search engine marketing (SEM)
Another great marketing option for your small business is search engine marketing. Search engine marketing is a paid online advertising platform where your pay for your listing to be featured in search engines. All you need to do is set up your ads campaign that targets your demographic then set the amount you want to spend for that particular ad. The good thing about search engine marketing is that you can determine your own budget. Popular search engine marketing tools include Google ads, yahoo, OL, and Bing.
3. Online and word of mouth
You can also market your business through word of mouth or utilize online platforms such as social media and search engines. For instance, you can print newsletters and flyers and place them in strategic places within your community where people can easily see them. One of the most powerful marketing tools is word of mouth. If you offer great services that your customers like, they will help market your business through word of mouth.
4. Social media platforms
Statistics show that about 2.5 billion people use social media on a daily basis. You can use social media platforms to market and engage with your target audience. You can also use social media platforms to help your target customers learn more about your business and the services or products offered, where it is located, and customer reviews and ratings. The good thing about social media platform is that it is 100% free to open and build your business profile. You can also use paid option to reach your target audience.
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The most recommended social media platform to use include Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, and YouTube. These social media platforms are all perfect for targeting new customers and engaging with your customers. If used well. Social media platforms can help you attract and engage with your target audience on a personal level.
5. Use local search, local listing, and business directories
You can also utilize local listing, business directory, and local search to market your business and attract new customers. Local digital listing platforms such as Yellow pages, Yelp, and Next door give small businesses an opportunity to list their business on local platforms where they can be seen by local customers. Determine your budget then choose a listing platform that will provide value for your business.
6. Search engine optimization
Search engine optimization is the process is improving your website to increase its visibility when people search it on search engines. It involves understanding your target audience and using keywords that will make your website appear on the first page of Google search when they search for the product or service that your business offers. You need to know the keywords that your target audience uses to search for your business and use them when creating content for your website.
7. Blogging
This is a great marketing platform, especially if you are targeting online customers. Creating quality and informative content that addresses the concerns of your target audience can easily convert them from visitors to loyal customers. Additionally, creating quality content can also boost your website ranking on a search engine, making it more visible to your target audience.
8. Email marketing
Just as the name suggests, email marketing involves using emails to market your business products or services. You can use this marketing technique to make your customers know of new product launches, discounts, offers, change in operational hours among many others. Use tools like Mailchimp to help make the process easy.
9. Direct mail
Although technological advancement has significantly reduced the use of direct mail, research still shows that direct mail is still a very effective marketing option. Research published in Forbes revealed that the response rate of direct mails is 10-30 times higher than other digital marketing techniques such as email marketing. If utilized well, the marketing tactics can be of great value to your business.
10. Influencers
The use of influencers is slowly gaining momentum as more and more businesses tap into this relatively new marketing tactic to market their businesses. Influencers are individuals with great influence and following who can convince people to do something including buying your products or following your social media platforms. If you want to make your business more visible to the target audience on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, then it is wise to partner with local influencers to endorse and market your products or services.
Sinosmart is a local business broker in Sydney, they help local small businesses promote, market, and sell their businesses. For more information about small business communities, visit the sinosmart business website.
