Something is always better than nothing. This is especially true when starting one's own business and needing to build a stable foundation on hyper-competitive ground. If, however, no one knows about you, it is as if you did not exist. You need to be able to promote yourself. One possibility is planning processes with a view to setting financial limits on advertising. Nevertheless, since at the start there is seldom money to spare, it is worth considering the following few tips prepared by the Expert Business Advice website.
Your business is unique and only you decide how to promote it effectively.
One way is to monitor the media fields and resources available - including, of course, social networks: much has been said about these and, depending on the nature of your business and target audience, they can be an interesting and inexpensive means of promotion. In addition, they will help you to reach the desired community. We will return to this theme later ...
Now what if we discuss low-cost publications and periodicals that are free? Certainly there are those that will not drain your financial limit; furthermore, you need not be confined to mere advertising. What about some PR article or series related to your business? The media will be happy for your content and you for the desired publicity.
In terms of the financial costs, ideally search for such periodicals that are new on the market and often offer the best deals. At the same time, keep in mind the basic rule - namely, that not every publication may be a suitable medium with the desired benefit for you. It is not so important how many, but who saw your advertising. Do they belong to your target audience?
Choosing the right media may take some time; do not rush it. Depending on the nature of your business, search for publications that are either local or have an industry specialisation.
Try social marketing
Another idea that you can use (again, depending on the orientation of the company) is the possibility of advertising in conjunction with organisations and institutions that may have no direct connection to your business. Are you a member of the local chamber of commerce, sports leagues, golf club ...? These may be places where your friends or colleagues are ... and among other things there are also a number of large companies looking for deals and discounts as remuneration for employees. Try notice boards, websites or sponsorship (not just of a financial nature). You will see what wonders this type of social marketing can work ...
The good old methods include e-mails that still have their value (although many believe they do not). Sending e-mails is indeed free of charge but in this case it is worth using paid directories that actually reach directly the people with an interest in your industry. If you have your own updated contact list, it is certainly good to use direct mail services that allow you to create a professionally designed e-mail according to your wishes and will also offer you a range of statistics, including readership of your e-mail campaign. You might try a service such as MailChimp, which offers a generous feature set absolutely free.
Do you remember the search communities as outlined above? In particular, the internet offers a series of interesting and developing projects to facilitate better communication and connect people with similar interests. One example of a worldwide free service is Craiglist, which also operates, albeit to a very limited extent, in the Czech Republic. Nonetheless, even in this country there are a number of various services focusing on specific interests. What do you use for your business?
-bn-