Wondering how to stand out from your competitors? Most companies can’t afford a huge marketing budget, but there are still plenty of cost-effective options that you can do to make your brand shine.
Set up a customer referral program:
92% of consumers trust referrals from friends and family over other forms of advertising. Why not turn your customers into your best brand ambassadors? By offering a discount or rebate to your loyal customers, they will feel appreciated and valued, and you get new business!
Apply for business awards:
Don’t have the money to spend on newspaper advertisements? Many business sections have their own lists where they compile businesses in a specific field or location. In addition, they may give out awards for top places to work, c-suite executives, company of the year or other designations that you can apply for. This will give you the publicity of appearing in the paper for free, plus you can use the award designations for recruiting purposes and to set you apart from your competitors.
Run a social media contest:
Holding a contest on social media can be an easy way to gain followers and engagement. Some easy things to do are ask to like/follow the page, like a specific post, and/or ask them to comment and answer a question. Two examples are “what is your favorite XYZ Company product” or “what would you use the prize for.” This doesn’t require a huge monetary cost but will help drive your social media engagement!
Display a video gallery on your website:
Sometimes the best way to describe a product is to actually show it in use. By hosting a video gallery on your website, you can let viewers see the benefits in action. Another plus is that you can re-use this content on social media! Here are some examples of the different types of videos you can make, including product demonstrations, instructional how-to videos, interviews with staff or industry experts, and behind-the-scenes coverage of what it’s like to work at your business.
Host a webinar:
Choose a topic that aligns with your expertise and showcases your authority in your field. By demonstrating your knowledge and unique perspective, you will build credibility and trust with your audience. Topics could include industry trends you are seeing, compliance or legal information, skills training, a how-to, or productivity hacks. Make sure that you are not just showing off your company, but providing real value that your attendees can take examples from.
Marketing is crucial for small businesses as it serves as the driving force behind their visibility, growth, and success. Make 2024 the year you communicate your unique value propositions, differentiate themselves from competitors, and attract new customers by incorporating these tips into your marketing plan.
