27 Cheap or Free Small Business Marketing Ideas
Small business marketing can seem like such a daunting task to anyone already wearing several hats! Most business owners are also filling the role of lead salesperson, accountant, inventory managers and just about every other role that doesn’t support a full time employee in hard economic times.
One of the first positions that’s usually cut is in the marketing department, as advertising budgets tend to get cut just as quick during slow periods. It’s really a catch-22… In order to get more business, you need to advertise more, but in order to advertise more, you first have to earn more money and get more business! Can you spot the dilemma a small business owner faces?
In this DIY article we are going to take a look at the various ways can promote your business for free or next to nothing!
Cheap or Free Small Business Marketing Ideas
- Put Out Mailbox Flyers on the Street you are Working!
Right when you get there, take 2 minutes and put a flyer on the 2-3 closest mailboxes to where you are! - If you have Service Vans, Put Out an Orange Cone When Parked!
- Have the Business Owner Call 10 Existing Customers EVERY Day and thank them for their past Business!
One of the highest impact messages your company can send, is that the owner knows the customers! In 30 minutes or less, you can reach 10 or more of your existing customers and simply ask: “How Can My Business Serve You Better?” - Add 10 New Friends on Facebook Every Day
- Offer A Free Service in Exchange for an Online Review
- Start an Email Mailing List of All New Customers
The best customer is an existing customer! - Sponsor Your Childs’ Local Sports Team
- Send a Thank You Letter to Every Customer Within 2 weeks of Purchase!
- Distribute Your Coupons or Special Offers in EVERY Communication
- Include a Related Service or Offer to All Customers with your Standard Thank You Letter
Think about McDonalds or Burger king… they don’t ask if you “want an apple pie” for nothing! - Have a Free Open House Event Once a Year
Invite customers, friends & relatives, and encourage them to bring a friend! - Volunteer at Your Church, School, or Community Center
- Offer Free Professional Advice at Local Colleges
- Get Your Website Listed on Related Directories
If you have a website, spend a few hours getting listed in related local and market directories! - Network with Current and Past Related Businesses
- Create a Weekly Freebie Giveaway on Twitter
It can be as easy as an onsite consultation, a tune up or any other service that costs your business nothing! - Change Your Answering Service Message Weekly
- Visit Trade Shows During Downtime
- Change the Way You Answer Your Phone
Instead of saying: “Thank you for calling Joes heating and cooling”… try: “Thanks for Calling Joes, Are you Calling for our Free System Quote?” - Get a Free or Branded Blog
- Interact and Network with Related Websites and Businesses
- Ask Every Contact for a 1 Referral
This is as simple as asking each person to refer you to a friend! - Offer Your Customers an Incentive for Referrals
- Pin Up Business Cards in Public Places that Allow it!
- Swap Services with the Local Chamber of Commerce
- Do Something Crazy to Attract Attention
A Plumber Might Fasten a Toilet to the top of their Vans! - Create Controversy About the Impact of a Local Initiative on Your Business, and Contact Local News
What Else Do You Do?
We all have our own special ways to promote our local business… what is the one thing you do!
