In the world of small businesses, budget constraints are a common reality. The limited funds available are often allocated towards essential purchases such as technology, additional phone lines, and marketing materials like business cards. This article provides ten cost-effective strategies that can help you attract your first customer and grow your business.
Consider using services like VistaPrint to obtain free or low-cost business cards. Add a tagline that succinctly describes your product or service. Distribute these cards at every business you visit during your daily errands, such as dry cleaners, restaurants, and gyms.
If there's a new or renovated shopping center opening in your town, attend the grand opening. This is a great opportunity to network with business owners and staff, and distribute your business cards.
Design flyers with your phone number on tear-off tabs and place them in high-traffic areas like libraries, grocery stores, and coffee shops. Always carry a few in your car along with push pins to seize every opportunity.
People love freebies. Highlight a contest on your business cards and flyers for a limited time. For example, anyone who books at least two hours of your service during the contest month could be entered into a drawing for a gift basket. This can be an inexpensive basket filled with sample-sized coffee, a coffee cup, a business book or best-selling novel, cookies, and crackers. Document the drawing process and the winner on your website to create engagement.
Write an article that resonates with your target audience, such as small business owners. Include a short biography with your email and website address. Submit this article to websites and e-zines that cater to your target audience.
Develop an informative presentation around your area of expertise and offer to speak at a monthly meeting of your local Chamber of Commerce.
Offer coupons for a free or discounted product, or a free hour of service for every two or three hours of paid service. Distribute these coupons to prospective clients and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce for their contests and giveaways. To encourage quick action, give the coupon an expiration date.
Use your time in traffic to attract new clients. For less than thirty dollars, you can purchase a sign for your car from websites like iPrint or WebDecal.
Create a press release announcing the opening of your business or a significant milestone. Send this press release to editors at your local newspaper and other free area publications.
Distribute your business cards to family members, neighbors, and local businesses, and ask them to pass them on. Offer an hour of free service or a free product to anyone who refers a client who signs a contract for services. You could also offer to feature them on your website.
Remember, marketing your small business doesn't have to break the bank. With these cost-effective strategies, you can attract customers and grow your business on a budget.
© 2001, Davis Virtual Assistance
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