I know from experience how anxious you feel when you first start your business. Many entrepreneurs start with limited funds, so you are probably wondering, "How in the world can I promote my business without going broke in the process?" Here are some inexpensive ways in accomplishing your goal on a “shoestring budget":
Directories: Congrats—You found the first method of promoting your business! Anyone serious about being in business must get their company listed in a business directory. How else are people going to find out about you? When people are seeking a product or service they head for the nearest directory in order to obtain the names of the companies that sell what they need. You need to get listed in a directory so people can associate your organization’s name with that product or service (i.e. market research with TargetStars).
Forums: Having a business will not do you any good if you are the only one that knows about it! Forums are great places to meet people you are hoping to gain as customers. Make pertinent comments that add depth to ongoing discussions that will lead others to rely on your knowledge as a resource. You must establish your credibility while simultaneously promoting your business, but be careful not to excessively self promote. In order to gain clients you have to find out how your product or service will benefit the prospect and you cannot gain this information if you are doing all the talking. You may be the solution to the problem(s) they are experiencing, but unless the prospect understands how you are the solution, you will not be able to gain them as a client.
Be an author: Share your expertise with other people by writing articles within your industry. Focus on giving tips that can help people and not just promoting your business. People want to feel that they chose your business—not forced. Let your industry knowledge do the selling for you.
Newsletters: What better method is there to spread the word about the article you just wrote? You are sure to get the word out about your business and get clicks on your site by writing an exciting article (sharing one will work too!) filled with tips people can use (again, it should not be all about your business—subtly works wonders!) and then placing the rest of the article on your website by including a "read more" link directing the reader back to your website. When they are done reading the articles that you have placed in your newsletter, they will be more inclined to see what else you have to offer.
Discounts/ Referral Programs: People love a bargain—so give the people what they want! Once you snag them as a customer they will tell their friends because no one keeps a good service/product a secret! Advertising a rewards program will give your customers even more incentive to spread the word about your business. Remember, the key to successfully growing your business is to simultaneously attract and retain customers. Many people focus all their attention on attracting new customers, but you cannot forget about the people who played an integral role in getting your business off the ground. The 80/20 rule (sometimes referred to as Pareto Principle) is amazingly accurate—80% of your revenue will come from 20% of your customers so it would be in your organization’s best interest to not ignore these people just because you secured them as a client.
Implementing these 5 simple steps into your marketing mix will increase your organization’s visibility. It is not impossible to promote your business on a "shoestring budget"—it just forces you to be creative!
