Large companies typically spend millions of dollars annually to advertise their products or services. However, many smaller companies can’t afford to spend a lot of money on advertising. For them, the solution is to find creative ways to get their message out on a limited budget. Here are some suggestions on how to market your business without spending a fortune:
• Speak out. Organizations always need speakers. Ask business associates for referrals or check the meeting notices in local newspapers to identify groups that could benefit from your expertise.
• Write articles. You don’t have to be a professional writer to compose a column. You can write about an issue affecting your industry or market, such as proposed legislation, or offer advice to other businesses. If you have an idea for a column, it’s usually best to find a publication that’s interested in the topic before you spend time writing the article.
• Beat your own drum. Come up with unique story ideas about your business and pitch the ideas to media outlets you’ve targeted. Send press releases about new employees, promotions, and new products to the media, clients, and prospects. Get to know the reporters who are assigned to cover your industry. If they know you, they might call you when they need a quote from an industry expert.
• Get involved. Join the local Chamber of Commerce and trade organizations. Chair a fund-raiser or be a spokesperson for a project in which you’re interested. You’ll be helping a worthy cause and getting exposure for your business.
• Hire freelancers. In many cities, highly-skilled advertising agents, graphic artists, writers, and photographers have set up their own businesses. Many will work on a per-project basis and charge lower rates than large agencies, since their overhead isn’t as high.
• Publish a newsletter. A one-page newsletter can be an inexpensive and efficient way to keep your company’s name in front of customers and prospects.
• Get personal. Set aside time each week to contact clients you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Go to trade shows. Select shows that are popular with decision-makers in your target market. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on marketing, you can get good results by being creative. All it takes is a little ingenuity, a sound plan, and the commitment to follow through.