The best way to save money on marketing is to spend it on the right things. What should you do if you have a limited budget but want to get more leads? Marketing is a cost center for most businesses. This means it’s not the place to cut costs if times are tough. The trick is to find ways to make your marketing dollars count, so they generate more customers and sales than they would otherwise. Here are some cost-effective ways to market:
1. Use Social Media
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are free and easy to use — so why not take advantage of them? You don’t need to hire a full-time social media manager; instead, encourage employees to spend some time interacting with customers on Facebook or Twitter each week. It’s also important to keep an eye on what people are saying about your company online; if someone says something negative about your product or service, respond immediately by thanking the person for their feedback and promising to look into their concern. Be consistent when promoting yourself on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Post regular updates about sales or new products, but don’t overdo it; once or twice a week is enough unless there’s something really exciting going on at your company (such as a sale).
2. Get Creative with Your Print Materials
Create flyers with a coupon code for a discount or free shipping on your website. Your business cards and brochures don’t have to be expensively printed on glossy paper; they can be just as effective when printed on plain white stock in black ink only (if you must use color). Have them available at events you attend, such as charity walks or craft fairs, or mail them to potential clients in the area where you do business (if it’s legal). If you sell products online, include links in your email signature and subject line so people can easily click through to your site.
3. Use the Same Image Across Multiple Channels and Sell Products Through the Website
You don’t have to create a new image for every platform. For example, if you have a Facebook ad that uses an image of a product, use the same image on your Google Ads or Instagram ads, so people recognize what they’re seeing. Also, consider selling additional products if you want to make money from your website. If someone buys something else while browsing their shopping cart, you might be able to convince them to purchase another item at the same time — and increase your sales!
4. Use Email Marketing Wisely
Email marketing is a great way to reach your customers directly — and it’s cheap! But if you’re sending too many emails, the cost can add up quickly. In the past few years, it’s become much easier to learn digital marketing online thanks to the abundance of free courses available. The key is finding the right course for your needs and budget. If you’re using an email service provider (ESP), ensure that they have a good spam filter in place so that your emails aren’t marked as spam and deleted by recipients. This can be done through an ESP or Google Apps for Work. Also, ensure you’re not sending out too many emails at once (such as daily or weekly). Focus on sending one message monthly with special offers or information about new products or services instead of bombarding people with every little thing in your business.
5. Give Your Customers Incentives for Referring Friends
Another way to boost sales without spending much money is to offer incentives for customers who refer their friends or family members to shop with you. Referral programs are a great way to get new customers without spending additional money on advertising or marketing campaigns — but only if they’re done right! For example, if someone refers a friend who then makes a purchase, both parties get $5 off their next order — or whatever works best for your business model. This encourages people to share their positive experiences with others in person and online.
6. Find Local Partners for Events and Promotions
If you have an event coming up where there will be other businesses present, reach out to them about partnering up for the event. You can offer something in return (like offering discounts on products) so that they benefit from having someone sell their products at their booth during the event. You can also offer them space in your newsletter or social media posts leading up to the event so they can share information about themselves and gain exposure to their brand.
And there you have it – some smart, cost-effective ways to promote your business. It’s time to get out there and experiment. Focus on what will work for you and your business, not on what you’ve seen work for other people. Then it’s time to track those results and determine the most effective methods.
