~by Emma Miller~
Money is understandably tight for a new small business owner. Imagine how difficult it must have been for companies to promote themselves just a few years back. Marketing used to be a very important financial issue back then. Luckily, we live in the era of the Internet, so you can do a lot to promote your business now, even for free. Check out some of the ideas listed below, and be sure to bookmark them so you can keep track of the measures you are taking to promote your business.
1. Website
Creating a good website is very important, maybe even key to promoting well. This is the first thing you should do, and how you do it is equally important. Pay attention to clarity and functionality, but do not forget attractive design. Your website should represent your business properly, which means it must be serious, reliable, and efficient.
2. Social Media
Once you create a website, think about social media. Some might say this way is too frivolous. However, I disagree. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc., are very powerful and influential tools. Therefore, they should be used to promote your business.
3. SEO
Having a website does not mean people are just going to start visiting it. You need to try very hard to put your website “out there”. With everyone “Googling” everything, search engine optimization (SEO) has become a must in the world of business promoting. If you lack the knowledge, search for a book or a tutorial on SEO and make sure your website has high performance on search engines.
4. Promotional Material
This is another great way to promote. An agency specializing in printing in Sydney stated that small businesses usually choose to make key chains, cards, coasters, etc., since they can be used in common, everyday life. Everyone accepts promotional gifts; they’re free of charge and can be useful. While looking at their key chain, one will want to find out what is that name written on it. This is efficient. Plus, it is another way to reach people beyond the Internet.
5. Happy Clients
Needless to say, you should always be polite and responsible. After every business correspondence, make sure to ask for feedback. Client’s comments are essential in promoting your business. It’s more plausible that somebody will believe other people’s recommendations of you than your own. It takes just a minute of their time, but it means so much to you. Tell them that.
Regardless of how you choose to promote your business, try to cover a wide range of potential customers while doing so. Think about your audience. Try to view everything from as many perspectives as you can imagine, including your own. Be creative, innovative, and motivated. Show your enthusiasm to the world and, most importantly, make a promotion plan and make sure to stick to it. Have it in a visible place and check your progress daily. If you follow these instructions, results will follow sooner than you expect.
Meet the Author: Emma Miller
Emma Miller is a Sydney based writer with a degree in marketing. Her interests are digital marketing, social media, start-ups, and the latest trends. She is also a contributor at Bizzmark blog.