Low cost ways to market your small business

Many small business owners feel that they don't have the resources to market adequately. This often leads to a feeling of discouragement and worse yet; many small business owners fail to market. This can lead to serious consequences, for any small businesses. The lifeblood of any business, (no matter the size), is sales, and marketing is what you do to let your customers know what you can offer them (products and services), and where they can find you. If your customers cannot find you, then there is little chance, they will buy from you. Without sales, you will soon find that your small business is fading away.

The good news is that there are a number of low cost and even free ways to market your small business. By using your creativity and doing some planning, small business owners can effectively market, what they company has to offer. Small business owners should not worry about competing with their larger competition. The focus should be on maximizing each market dollar, and gaining the best return possible, on every dollar that is spent. Here are low cost ways to market your small business-

• Get online-If your small business is not online, then you need to get it there-today. The internet is one of the best and lowest costing ways to market your small business. A website, blog or even e-newsletter, will cost your company only a few dollars to set up and maintain. The highest cost will come in paying someone to maintain and improve your online presence. If you are unsure as to how to get online, experts recommend starting with a simple website. There are several webmasters that can guide you in setting up an online presence. From there you can grow your small business presence. You should keep in mind, however, that if you choose to get online, you need to make sure that your content is kept up to date. Your customers will fail to respond to your online marketing presence, if you don`t keep it new and exciting. If your small business is already online, then now is the time to expand its marketing reach, through the use of social media.


• Market through your outgoing mail-Every piece of mail that leaves your office should have your logo, and a brief marketing message, attached to it. Whether you use a stamp, sticker or a handwritten note, you can add a simple message that will attract the attention of everyone who sees it. Keep in mind that you want to make sure that the message is short and easy to read, since you will only have a few seconds to attract the attention of the reader.


• Consider co-op marketing-Many small businesses are pooling their marketing power. You may want to consider approaching another small business, and offering to put their business card, or pamphlet in your outgoing mail, if they will do the same for you. The beauty of this marketing strategy is that it gives you a whole new audience to market to, for very little effort. In addition, many small businesses are offering a coupon, for another business, with a purchase. This can be a helpful way to generate more business, for both companies.


• Host a special event-If there is something that your target customers would be interested in, then you can host a special event that highlights that. For example-Consider sending out notices, that your let your customers know you will give a certain percentage off, for every can of food donated. When your customers come into buy, you can also generate good will with your food donation, to the local food bank. Just make sure that you are genuine in your efforts and you target something that will interest your customers.