Marketing tips for businesses on a “Bread & Butter” budget

Many small-business owners, especially folks just starting out, are thrifty and simply don’t have lots of money to spend on marketing. While the old saying “you need to spend money to make money” may be true, it is possible to attract clients and customers without having to dish out copious amounts of dollars. There are a few tricks to start this process:

• Start with relationship-building marketing strategies such as social networking, e-newsletters to previous and potential clients and customers, building partnerships and friendships with other local and similar businesses, contacting old customers, friends and folks you know.

• Develop a marketing group with other like minded small-business owners for the purpose of sharing low-cost marketing ideas and referring each other business. Many business owners will “COOP” or share advertising costs in print periodicals and newspapers.

• Sharpen your online skills OR  set up an Internship Program at your business and advertise for that position at the local colleges and universities.  You will be surprised how many students need credit hours and their own hand’s on experience to create their own portfolios.

• Publish “stories” about your business. Hire local freelance writers to create advertorials to highlight your business on your website and on social media outlets.

• ADD links to your site. Inbound and outbound links build traffic.

Do not JUMP head first into low budget or no budget marketing without understanding the basics. This can backfire and result in negative feedback from customers and clients.  Hire a consultant and get some advice. Start on the right path and then learn to maintain your marketing plan!  LEARN your target market.