Marketing on a small budget

We explore a number of tips on how to create a successful marketing campaign with a limited budget.

The majority of all small business owners encounter the same problem – creating a successful marketing campaign on a shoestring budget.

Although social media has made things easier, it’s not the only way to market your business. So here are a number of tips on how to grow your business without taking a big chunk out of your budget.

1. Elevator pitch

An elevator pitch needs to define your product or service quickly and succinctly, and let the person now how valuable it can be to them. Taking the extra time to really crack the elevator pitch can make a massive difference between making or losing a sale.

2. Local community

Focusing your marketing in your local area can really pay off. Engage with the locals in your neighbourhood. Get to know people, volunteer at events and leave your business card with interested parties. Take every opportunity to get your message out there.

3. Collaboration

Find non-competitive local businesses that could benefit from you collaborating together, and contact them. Using incentives, coupons and promotions you could grow both of your businesses at the same time. This can prove to be a great marketing technique.

4. Networking

Getting yourself out there is a sure-fire way of growing your business. Forming business relationships is key to organic growth.

5. Public speaking

This isn’t suited to everyone, but if it’s your bag, it can really propel your business forward. Sharing your expert knowledge at local events can really give you and your business credibility and loyalty from people that you might not have been able to reach otherwise.

6. Referrals

As soon as you get a happy customer – ask for a referral! Obviously if you are in the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) industry, you probably wouldn’t. But a positive referral in most industries is a great selling point, and most customers who have had a good experience with your brand will be happy to do it.

Read and comment on the original Entrepreneur article.