Running your own business is the ultimate reward in any career in my mind. You get a sense of self achievement that no other job can give you. If you’ve just started off on the long and rocky road to running your own business, then you will appreciate the 13 effective small business marketing tips for start ups I’ve outlined below.
Small Business Marketing Tip #1 – Build a customer base
First thing to do is to build a customer base, and I’ve found the best way to do this is to either build a list of email or telephone contacts. You can use a list to promote new products, services or to simply send out newsletters and bulletins regarding your business in the future.
Small Business Marketing Tip #2 – Use a friendly and professional automated answer phone service
If you use a mobile phone for your business, get on it a record your own automated greeting answer phone message. Let potential clients be made aware that you have acknowledged their communication with you, and that you will get back in touch with them as soon as you become available.
Small Business Marketing Tip #3 – Build a website
No business in this day and age can survive without one, building a website doens’t have to be a challenge, there are many online site building tools available on the web to help you.
Small Business Marketing Tip #4 – Send out a press release
Get in touch with your local newspaper and see if you can get a mention about your local business services.
Small Business Marketing Tip #5 – Get customized invoices
If your business entails sending out invoices, one of the best ways to get your name about is to use customized invoices. A cheaper way would be to get a rubber stamp made up to stamp invoices with your business credentials before sending them out.
Small Business Marketing Tip #6 – Get business cards
Get onto VistaPrint and get some premium business cards printed.
Small Business Marketing Tip #7 – Raise funds for charity
This is a great way to promote your business. Consider raising funds for a local charity. Often you can generate lots of public interest and free local radio and press advertising by doing so.
Small Business Marketing Tip #8 – Cross promote your products and services
If you offer a wide range of products and services consider cross promoting them, hold limited time offers and promotions.
Small Business Marketing Tip #9 – Advertise on local radio
Contact your local radio station if possible, to see how much advertising would cost.
Small Business Marketing Tip #10 – Add your business to local directories
Local business directories including online business directories are affective for promoting and advertising your business locally. Many online directories even offer a free listing service which can save you money on advertising.
Small Business Marketing Tip #11 – Maintain a good level of customer service
Essentially the most important aspect of marketing and promoting your business, and that is to offer a flawless customer service experience for your clients.
Small Business Marketing Tip #12 – Ask for feedback
Feedback and testimonials can help attract more clients to use your business services based on others experiences with your company. Ensure that you kindly ask your recent customers to leave feedback where ever appropriate, i.e. your website or blog.
Small Business Marketing Tip #13 – Organise and hold a talk or seminar
Finally, you should also consider holding a talk or a seminar to discuss about the features and benefits of using your products or services. If your business provides a service that is essential to consumers in your locality, this can be a great way for you to get to know more about you customer base as well as demonstrate your expertise in your field.
Photo by Yoshimai
