This time of year, many small businesses start planning next year’s marketing strategy. Here are 10 tactics you can use to reach more customers—including several quick wins that won’t break the bank!
- Be seen on social media
Are you happy with how your Facebook posts are performing? If you’re not reaching as many people as you’d like, your engagement rate is low or your growth is stagnant, consider boosting some of your best content. You can reach significantly more people with as little as a $20 boost, and you may find that it’s a better use of your resources than countless posts that go unseen.
- Evaluate your website
When was the last time your company website was updated? Is it current, professional and mobile-friendly? How does it compare to your competitors’? If your website is lacking in any of these areas, it may be time for a refresh.
- Develop a referral program
82% of small business owners have said their main source of new business is referrals. Develop a system for asking your clients to recommend you to their friends and family, and make it worth their while by offering them a discount or reward for each new customer they bring in.
- Hold a contest
Social media contests generate a lot of buzz, and you don’t have to give away an extravagant prize. Offer your followers a chance to win a gift card or a complimentary product or service, and watch your engagement rate soar. Don’t want to host your own contest? Donate one of your products or services as a prize at a community event.
- Partner up with a local business
Hold a joint event or contest with a related business (such as a florist if you design wedding cakes). It’s a win-win for both of you, since you’ll each get exposure to the other’s clients, who are likely already interested in your product or service.
- Experiment with guerilla marketing
This type of campaign can work really well for businesses with a limited budget, as they’re less expensive than traditional advertising and they get people talking. It can be as simple as handing out coffee to commuters or stenciling your logo on a busy sidewalk.
- Make the most of your business cards
Is your business card up-to-date, professional, and interesting enough to stand out from the crowd? If not, consider having new ones designed that more accurately reflect what you have to offer. Hand one out with every handshake.
- Invite people in
Host an event or offer a class at your retail location. Advertise it well in advance on community bulletin boards and on social media. People are more likely to buy from you if they’ve met you in person.
- Keep in touch via email
If you haven’t already, start collecting email addresses on your website and at your point of sale. With your customers’ consent, send regular updates about promotions and events. Focus on providing value and building a relationship rather than selling a product or service.
- Decorate the company car
Traveling across town, you’ll be seen by a lot of potential customers. Think about getting your vehicle branded with eye-catching decals—just remember to drive courteously!
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