As a small business, you are likely always looking for ways to cut your marketing costs while still making a big splash. While I have provided some great low-cost marketing ideas in the past, you may still be looking for more options that can be easily incorporated into your marketing strategy. In this article, we will explore 3 more low-cost marketing ideas that won’t break the bank but will still provide great results.
Revamp Your Business Card
Sometimes a handshake and a business card are all it takes to leave a lasting impression. If you attend a lot of networking events or just generally spend a lot of time talking with your potential customers, it is important to give them some sort of memento to keep your business fresh in the mind when they need services or products like the ones you offer. However, having the right business card could be all the difference.
If you look at your existing business card and nothing stands out about it, it may be time to consider revamping it for a greater impact on the recipient. With the advancements in design and printing capabilities, nearly anything is possible with business cards now. Find the right balance and don’t overdo it to ensure your business card doesn’t get lost in a stack of others.
Start a Referral Program
If you have a service-based business, there’s a good chance that you have customers that recommend their friends and family to you if they are satisfied with the work you provide. What if there was an easy way to reward them for this behavior? By starting a referral program, you can give your most loyal customers a “kick-back” on future services to build a new customer base and create loyalty among current customers.
Depending on the type of service you provide, find a discount that you are comfortable with and then create a qualifier to receive that discount. With the amount of new business you are receiving, this discount should create a revenue strain and will leave all of your customers happy. Just make sure you are informing your current customers about the referral program to get them excited about the process.
Give Back to Your Community
As a business owner, you likely have a strong connection to the city or town that you do business in. While it may seem counter-intuitive, giving back to the community can not only improve the quality of life in the area, it helps shine a positive light on your business to potential customers that may not know you exist. If no existing programs are already active in your area, you can even consider starting one for a cause that you are interested in.
As a bonus, you may even receive some media attention for the efforts you are putting forth to further promote both your cause and business at the same time. Just ensure you are giving back to your community for the right reasons and not simply doing it for exposure. Anything else is likely destined to fail and the process shouldn’t be taken lightly.