Getting your marketing right is crucial no matter the size of your business. However, if you’re a smaller business then that means you have a smaller budget to set aside for such things. Researching, promoting, selling and distributing your product or service is key to success and growth. Spreading the word so that potential consumers understand the value of your product through social channels contributes massively to closing a sale.
But, how can you ensure you’re marketing effectively whilst saving money? Here are four social channels that can help you to market your small business at little to no cost.
The Company Website
Where’s the first place you go to when looking up a new company? Most likely their website. Having a solid website for your company and paying out for good hosting is a great way to market yourself through various social channels.
This will be the foundation of your brand’s image and message online with it most likely being the starting point for those looking to find out more about you. So, make sure that it functions well, it’s easy to navigate, looks good and has all the information a person would need.
Something else to consider is having good SEO for your website. Most people will arrive at your domain from a Google search. You want your website to be one of the top search results so they can easily find you. Think about it, how often do you go to the second page of Google to look for an answer? Optimise your SEO to ensure that you’re coming in at the top.
Blogs and Articles
Blogs and articles are a great way to target your ideal consumer base. A professional company blog (standalone or part of your website) allows you to speak directly to industries or sectors to address their pain points and how you can solve them using social channels.
Consistently be updating your content so it stays relevant and up to date. Make sure it’s thought-provoking, helpful and SEO friendly. It’s important to utilise this channel because it’s one of the easiest ways to communicate your knowledge and from there, your company’s message and its products or services.
Plus, blogs are made to be shared across social channels, and they can open up a dialogue to get people talking about you.
Social Media Accounts
With a staggering 3.8 million people now using social media globally, it’s easy to see why it makes for a good marketing channel. This is a content-heavy form of marketing that involves advertising, communication and engagement.
Upload content that gets people talking and interacting with you. The best bit? You can easily tailor your content to whichever sector or industry you’re choosing to focus on at that time. Not to mention, having a good social media presence makes your business more accessible and relevant.
Real-time updates and responses to conversations, news or trends can show you’re proactive and on the ball. It can also be used to solidify a good reputation as it allows for customer service uses as well as suggestions and feedback via social channels.
Need to give something a boost but don’t have the budget for an entire campaign? Ads on social media are also a great way to get a few more eyes on you for a smaller price tag. Social channels can be very cost-effective for marketing.
Email Marketing
If done correctly, then email marketing can be a powerful tool. It’s direct, low cost and can be sent en masse to all of your customers or a specific section of them. It’s a great way to keep on top of your online presence whilst communicating with and converting clients.
Humanise your campaigns. Add in a first name feature. Get your team to write update emails so your readers can get to know the company on a more personal level. Nurture these relationships by sharing regular, valuable information.
Offer exclusivity too. Give loyal readers or long-time customers discounts or offers not available elsewhere to keep up readership and subscriber numbers. This powerful, direct line of communication between the company and consumer is not one to be underestimated and can be integrated with your other social channels.
