It is easy for small businesses out there to feel outnumbered by the stiff competition they get from existing businesses and big corporations. The best way for startups to grow is to find a way to boost their brand visibility and establish a public presence. We know that small businesses often have a tight budget to work with when it comes to marketing and advertisement. However, there are plenty of ways you can promote your brand without spending so much. In this article, we will be sharing with you five unusual but effective promotional ideas for small businesses.
Free samples and giveaways
People love free stuff and the best way to make your small business stand out. As much as startups may see it difficult to spend on promotional items before they start realizing a substantial profit, it is an investment that puts your brand in the eyes of the public. Printed t-shirts, golf caps, and other promotional items are likely to attract potential customers and retain existing ones. You can also allow your customers to try free samples of your product when they visit stores in person. This encourages existing customers to purchase new products, which, in turn, boosts your profit margin. It is important to provide quality promotional items or giveaways to gain the trust of both existing and potential customers.
Create a social media presence
We live in a digital world where people are constantly on their phones and devices. Small businesses can use their social media to create brand awareness as it is a valuable communication avenue. Although emails, contact forms on websites, and mailing addresses can be helpful, social media can help customers make quick questions or share positive feedback about their orders. It offers an efficient way to facilitate customer service, promote content and educate your customers about the benefits of your products and services. Using social media can help you build up your digital networks but don’t forget to do face-to-face networking as well. Not only does this help grow your brand’s reputation but also helps you find new business opportunities.
Referral marketing
Referral marketing involves both word-of-mouth advertising and a program set in place to get customers to tell their friends or family about your brand. It happens organically when you sell quality products because they will be sharing their feedback with whomever they feel needs it too. However, you can speed up your referral marketing program by offering incentives and special deals to customers who refer their connections. Since people tend to trust their closest friends or family, they are more likely to purchase more of your products and services. All you need to make it work is to start with a great product or offer quality services.
Form industry partnerships
You can team up with another business that is related to your industry to carry out a joint project. However, the business partner you choose should not be a direct competitor. You can do this locally whether it is online or offline by organizing a special event with promotional giveaways or a webinar. Partnering with other ambitious business owners gives you much notice and exposure to a new target audience. This promotional strategy allows small business owners to get ideas for marketing know-how, customer bases, and technology. Attending a networking event can be a stepping stone to building great industry partnerships.
Run competitions and donate a prize
A great and inexpensive way to increase your brand’s visibility is to run a competition for something that really matters or what people want. Having a reward at the end like a free product or service encourages more people to take part in the competition. If you make people do something fun for their entry such as subscribing to your newsletter, sharing your page, or giving you their email address, you get to reap the benefits without dealing with an expensive budget. Whether you conduct an online or offline competition, make sure the winner gets exactly what you promised and not something else. Failure to deliver on your promise can create a bad reputation for your brand.
Before you get started on promotional items, you need to understand your unique selling proposition or an attribute that makes your business unique. A quick and compelling description of what your business offers is more likely to spike up interest and create further conversations. Working with a graphic designer or a reputable printing service allows you to create unique infographics that deliver a perfect elevator pitch.