5 Cheap Small Business Marketing Strategy Plans

Most small business owners do not want to sink a whole lot of money into advertising. There is not always enough expendable income to get the word out about your products and services as much as you would like. Luckily, an effective small business marketing strategy does not have to break the bank. There are plenty of free or low-cost ways to bring in customers.

• Word of mouth. This good old-fashioned way of gaining customers is easy and – best of all – it works! When you provide your customers with quality service and products, they will tell the people they know. Likewise if you disappoint them, so make sure each customer is satisfied. Ask your customers to share their experience. You can also ask them to refer others for you. Check out our guide to increasing your customer referrals to learn more!
• Social media. These days, people are constantly logging into their social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Maintaining a page or profile on these sites is free, and you can use them to your advantage in many ways. Not only can you get the word out to those who like your page or follow your business, but you can also communicate directly with your followers. One way to encourage communication is through contests or giveaways that involve a share or retweet.
• Website. If you have a professional, accessible, and informative website, you can reach tons of people. With the proper SEO keywords, quality photos and a well-written blog, you can get your website to the top of the search engines. When the general public is looking for a service or product, they often try an internet search first. Most people with general computer knowledge are able to maintain an acceptable website without spending a lot of money.
• Sales and discounts. Everyone loves a good deal, and a great way to reel in new customers and keep them as regulars is to offer them a discount or lower price on a first purchase. You can also offer incentives that increase with the size of purchase or give a free item after a person buys five or 10 of the same kind.
• Door-to-door. It may not always be the most pleasant small business marketing strategy, but going out into local neighborhoods to talk about your company can result in some new customers. Chances are that you may get more people who turn you down than those who buy your product or service, but when you approach the right people, it can work to your advantage.