Small businesses face a unique challenge when coming up with marketing strategies, like getting their name out there while staying within a budget. A good marketing strategy ideally brings in more customers with little cost.

Many small businesses make the mistake of seeing this as a lost cause and doing little in the way of marketing. There are, however, many marketing strategies that cost little to no money and that are proven to be successful. Here are just a few that really work:

1. Use social media.

This cannot be stressed enough. Social media is the number one way you can engage with your customers and get more exposure. The outlets you use will depend on the type of business you own. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are all common forms of social media that may businesses use. Use your online presence to promote a new product, announce sales, or show your customers why they should choose your business.

2. List your company on Google maps.

When people want to find a particular service, say a plumber or a hair dresser, the first thing they do is type it into Google. If your business is listed on Google, it will be one of the first search items to pop up. This increases exposure for your business, and also makes it physically easier for customers to find your business’ location. Get listed on Google Maps here.

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3. Create special promotions.

Price is a major factor for people when choosing businesses to work with, and sales catch people’s eye. You may not be able to offer the lowest prices all year round, but can use promotions to bring in more customers. The goal is to use lower prices to hook customers, and then reel them in with the quality of your product or service.

4. Offer referral network rewards.

Alternatively, you can have your customers do some of the work for you by offering special discounts for referrals. This sort of reward program gives your customers reason to share your products or services with their friends and family. This strategy helps improve sales bringing in new customers and encouraging current customers to use their rewards to spend more.

5. Network, network, network.

This is one of the simplest, yet most often overlooked strategy for marketing. Get out there and meet people who may need your company in the future. Look for trade shows or other events where you can meet people working in your industry as well as potential buyers. Look out for local events where you might be able to promote your products or services and meet potential customers in the area.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also want to check out these others:

How to Use Facebook Marketing to Boost Sales
5 Reasons to Redesign Your Business Website for 2016
4 Social Media Goals That Can Supercharge Your Business
3 Ways to Increase Your Business Without Resorting to SEO
How to Target Large Clients with Little to No Money
15 Website Mistakes You Should Avoid (Part 1)
5 Tips for Successful Business Networking
Is There Still Gold in Cold Calling?

This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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