Growing companies face the issue of marketing their products or services in a highly competitive environment. It is possible to use marketing consultants to do this, but marketing consultants often cost too much money for small companies. An affordable option is to try the following low cost marketing ideas to promote the business:
1. Press Releases – Make press releases that are newsworthy and draw the attention of the readers. The releases should be short and to the point with an opening sentence or phrase that is convincing and holds the attention of the reader.
2. Search Engine Marketing – Having a website and using the services of a search engine is a necessity in today’s environment where greater numbers of people are accessing the Internet for their requirements. The website host must be reliable so that prospective customers can access the site without difficulty. The website design should be imaginative to draw attention of viewers. Websites are an inexpensive method for accessing a greater number of people. The website should have the company’s contact details, including the business phone number and email address. Advertise in newsgroups that are in a similar line of business so that the site is easily accessed.
3. Trade Shows – Rent space at trade shows and hand out promotional material to clients. Keep a feedback or order address registry of clients. After the show, contact them, keeping the promised made at the booth.
4. Direct Marketing – Create a finely tuned list of targeted recipients and directly market to them by phone, email, or standard mail, providing them with explanatory material.
5. Yellow Pages – Make an ad stand out in the yellow pages with an attractive design and listing under a specific, targeted category.
6. Public Service – Promote the company in a positive manner in the community by sponsoring events, donating products to local charities and holding events with local groups. Distribute promotional t-shirts, pens, mugs, etc. with the company’s brand emblazoned on it.
7. Business Card & Network Groups – Keep professional and well-designed business cards handy. Join a networking group for support and business leads.
Implementing Low Cost Marketing Ideas:
Use knowledge, skills, systems and tools to create a low cost marketing strategy for new businesses to attract customers on shoestring budgets.
Knowledge: Read books on marketing knowledge, buy a couple of manuals from web marketing masters, or subscribe to online continual education services. Learn marketing strategy from the experts.
Skills: Develop these four important marketing skills: Ask straightforward questions to learn of the client’s needs and problems. Listen carefully and provide a problem solving approach. Write a compelling story of marketing materials to attract customers. Demonstrate practical ideas and understand the working of the product.
Systems: Define responsibilities, schedule marketing activities and use computers to automate tasks and hire people for clerical activities. Focus time and attention on the clients to deliver products or services in a stipulated period. Manage contacts to add to the database. Send information to prospective clients and response to each query to handle clients respectively.
Tools: The basic tools required to target a market include: Communication tools like phone, email and websites. Information for clients about the business, life written proposals, brochures or pamphlets. Things displaying the company name, logo and contact information like business cards.
I hope that these 7 low cost marketing ideas will help you in your business! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need any further guidance with creating a successful marketing strategy for your business.
