Your small business needs customers to grow, and the best way to do that is by advertising. In the old days, this meant putting up a flyer in a local storefront or a postcard in mailboxes, but today, there are so many ways to promote your business and reach new clients without breaking the bank.
The first step to promoting your business is to identify the target market you want to reach and build your marketing around that. Whether your business is a real estate firm, an online tutoring company, or a brick-and-mortar retail shop, it’s important to know your audience before you can effectively advertise and sell to them.
You can also learn about your target customer’s interests, habits, and lifestyle, which will help you choose the right marketing channels for them. For example, if you own a bakery that sells pastries, consider using a Facebook page to showcase recipes and share photos of your daily operations.
Creating a business website is a must for every small business, especially one selling products online. It’s where you can present your company to potential customers, show off your products or services, and provide contact information for them to call or email you.
A business website can also be used to collect and organize online reviews. These can be very helpful for attracting new customers, especially when they’re written by people who have already purchased your products or services.
Registering your business with Google is another great way to make your business visible in search results. The free service allows customers to easily find your business’s location and hours, and gives them a way to leave you feedback via review.
Attending local events is an excellent way to promote your small business. These can be virtual or in-person, and they usually attract your ideal client base.
Join industry-specific communities and participate in discussions on relevant topics to expand your network. These connections can help you promote your business and get your name out there as an expert in your field.
Use social media to advertise your business
Having a business presence on social media is essential for any small business, and it’s free to do so. Create a separate business profile on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and be sure to include your business phone number, description, and a link to your website.
In addition, don’t forget to post about your business on other relevant social media platforms, such as Reddit or Pinterest. This will also give your business a wider reach and allow you to promote sales or specials, as well.
Keep your existing customers engaged
Keeping in touch with your current customers is an important part of building a relationship with them and ensuring they’re happy. Send out updates about new products or services, changes in your business’s hours, or other news that may be of interest to them.
Develop a referral program
Enlist the help of your existing customers by offering them discounts or other incentives to refer their friends or family members to your business. These referred customers are more likely to be loyal, and will spend 13% more than non-referred customers.