Just because your business is small, there is no reason for you not to think big when it comes to marketing. You may not have the budget for television promotions or celebrity campaigns to compete with multinational companies, but there is still plenty you can do to drive customers to your business.
From embracing social media to making the most of flyer and business card printing, our guide has got it covered.
Networking
Whatever else you do to promote your business there is nothing quite like a bit of networking. Talking to potential customers is a powerful way of developing business, so make sure you take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
Seek out industry events or better still organise some yourself and use them to raise your company profile. Opportunities to develop business can come at the most unexpected moments too, however, so you need to make sure therefore that you are always ready. Have business cards with you at all times.
It may not be appropriate to try and instigate a full on business meeting at a social function, but there is nothing wrong with exchanging business cards and inviting a new contact to learn more at a later date.
Social Media
In recent years, social media tools have revolutionised the marketing world. You are now just as likely to see big brands such as Coca Cola and IBM using tools such as youtube and twitter to promote their businesses as you are to see them advertising on television.
This is a real godsend for small businesses, as the key to using social media to market your business successfully is creativity rather than a big budget. This means that you can compete with big companies on a much more even playing field.
The power and influence of social media is growing by the day, so if you are not already using it is time you started.
Freebees
Everybody likes getting something for nothing, so offering a free gift is a good way of encouraging people to stop and take notice of your company and your branding.
Freebees might be as simple as branded items such as pens, stubby coolers or baseball caps. Alternatively you could offer a free product or service sample. It will cost a little bit of money up front, but far less than many marketing channels, and if it brings in new business it will be well worth the investment.
Printed material
With all the focus these days on the online world it can be easy to forget about the value of the printed word, but that would be a mistake. While electronic media are great for accessing a lot of people quickly and inexpensively, they tend to be quite easy to dismiss. This is where conventional flyer and booklet printing comes into its own.
Printed material is something tangible and that can make a big difference. While electronic media can be simply ignored, a brochure or booklet requires a more conscious decision about what to do with it, and it will not simply disappear if the customer hasn’t time to focus on it at that precise moment. It will remain until he or she has time to evaluate its worth, thus increasing its chance of making an impact.
If you need any help with any of your print material contact MVP Print today and one of our helpful staff will be more than happy to assist you.
