Marketing your Small Business

Small businesses often have tight marketing budgets. How do you get the most bang for your buck? According to HubSpot, “Companies with blogs get 55% more web traffic…” If your company does not have a blog, start one. Blogs are generally informal mediums and give you the leeway to write more personal entries. Put a face behind the business or a story behind the company name. How did you get started? Tell a personal story about how an aspect of your business has worked for you. In short, showcase your passion and belief in what you do.

Another good blog format is Top 10 (or any number) lists. These are quick and fun reads that, for one reason or another, readers love. Consider the popularity of Buzzfeed lists, for instance. If you hire someone outside of your company to write your blog, be certain that they are informed of the ins and outs of your company. The last thing you want is your blog to feel impersonal or contrived.

Another free way to market your company is via e-blasts. You’re right, not everyone will read emails you send them. But, a lot of people will. Keep your clients or customers updated on your company. Of course, do not bombard them with emails. Find a balance between keeping everyone informed and avoiding inbox inundation. Start gathering a mailing list now.

Invest in business cards for all your employees. And, hand them out. People forget names and business cards give potential clients a nice reminder. Keep them simple and clean.

Possibly invest in advertising, but do it right. If you advertise effectively, the cost will easily repay itself. Firstly, consider where you should advertise. How many people are going to see this, and which people are going to see this? Is this the most relevant and effective medium for your particular company to advertise? Construct an ad that will pop while describing your business. Do you have a tagline? If not, create one and include it.

Put in the marketing effort to bolster your company’s visibility. It will pay off, and as your business grows your need to market will lessen.