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The 21st century and the worldwide recession have actually put the cat among the pigeons where small business is concerned but there are numerous easy no-cost and cheap solutions for small businesses to maintain and even increase market share. As small outlets find they cannot vie with giant conglomerates, they realize that they need to offer more to their clients. This is done by promoting and offering value and a better experience to the purchaser.
So, how is a small business to remain profitable in these changing times?
If you're a bricks and mortar business, you have a battle on your hands, especially if you offer anything that the giant chains offer. You have got to become unique, an expert in what you do, and offer the best service possible. Then market that fact.
Those are three of the things these large box stores don't offer: uniqueness, experience and consumer service.
7 Budget-Conserving Marketing Ideas for Small Business
1. Produce expert write-ups for nearby papers, publications and magazines.
2. Take part in local charities, ideally ones that are linked to your small business or product line.
3. Create an online presence showcases your experience, uniqueness and awesome service.
4. Team up with surrounding business. You feature their merchandise and they show off some of your products.
5. Attend community networking events, Chamber of Commerce events and exhibitions or expos.
6. Participate in local short-term ads like Groupon.
7. Start your own email marketing campaign with your customer list.
Every time you present your business, emphasize your experience, individuality and expertise. Combine these real-world ideas with a solid online presence and you will see the difference int he bottom line.
Let's take a more detailed look at marketing ideas for small business that are online or technology focused. It helps the business owner because now systems will do the work and it will free up your effort. And many future customers are now using search engines and mobile apps to shop for what they need. You should make certain that you business shows up when and where they search.
Internet-based Marketing Ideas for Small Business
1. Register with a viral blogging system instead of developing a static website. The viral blogging system has many benefits.
--It should be easy and inexpensive to start.
--It should be easy to update and add information.
--It should offer drag and drop video and pictures.
--It should be plug and play but easily customized.
--It should be easily shared through social media.
--Blogging as part of community should also increase search engine page rank.
2. Use social media to create local giveaways and buzz. Share your expert blogs and interesting photos and images.
3. Add an opt-in box so that potential customers can receives updates, newsletters, coupons and sales.
4. Add some affiliate advertising and the site can essentially make the business owner some money even after covering the minor costs involved.
5. For a small charge you can be listed in local directories, your local Chamber of Commerce and on Angie's list, which should mount up to more visibility and less cost than any pricey magazine or weekly paper ad or direct mail campaign.
Google is doing everything to inspire small local businesses to get a website. If you've a highly specialized business your website can instantly become number one when a person searches for Your City and your expert service. Just this straightforward lower cost marketing solution can bring in loads of new shoppers.
Starting and maintaining an internet site isn't difficult or pricey. Nowadays an attractive Wordpress site can be built in under two hours all that it costs is monthly hosting and a site name charge. Some companies do all of that for you for a small monthly fee.
At a minimum, it is necessary for small business owners to have sites with the outline of the product they are offering, their specialization, their location address, contact numbers, hours of operation and an email address. But do not stop there. Remember, you need to show up as an expert with unique knowledge in your field. You need to set yourself apart.
Many small business owners are convinced that launching and maintaining a site will cost them a lot of money and is difficult. That is not the case any longer.
Applying the internet-based marketing ideas for small business doesn't have to be painful or costly.
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