Budget planning is crucial in running a business. However, one cannot neglect marketing his or her products and services. Tricky, right? Here are a few key tips and tricks that can result in greater brand awareness for your small business at no extra cost to you.

1. Expand Your Social Media Marketing

Social media nowadays is a MUST and is more important than ever and can be a crucial tool to help you grow your business and reach out to a broader pool of consumers. Grab the attention of consumers both locally and globally by building a solid social media presence. Post something relatable to your target audience at the time they are online.

You’ll be surprised how many new customers not only found you through social media but also researched your company and its reputation. Your reputation or credibility has propelled them to buy your product or service. On specific social media sites, like TikTok, your content (aligned to your interest) is posted primarily to the pages of those in your area. This way, you grow your business locally. This can be especially important if you have a storefront business and want customers to visit your store in person.

 

2. Collaborate

Your competitors don’t have to stay your competitors. Be an affiliate or form a Partnership or Joint Venture. Collaborate with small businesses around you for a mutually beneficial relationship. This can come in the form of stocking your shelves with another company’s products and them doing the same for you. It could also mean hanging flyers up in small shops like yours.

Nurture a relationship with a business that’s similar to yours but not too similar. For instance, collaborating with a cosmetics store can help your business if you sell bath products. The product is different enough not to threaten your sales but similar enough to draw people in. Or you can bundle up your products on promo dates.

 

3. Word of Mouth

Word of mouth can go far for small businesses and it is the best form of advertising. Encourage your customers to spread the name of your business to their friends and family. But you can only do this if you have satisfied them enough to ask for a small favor. You can do this by including a business card in every bag. You can also combine this tip with social media marketing. Or you can have a handful of your customers try your product for FREE and get their honest reviews after. Encourage your followers to share your posts, this way, their audience can see the original post. This way, your brand reaches a wider audience.

 

4. Get Involved

Much of brand awareness is about knowing the person behind the brand. Attend community events and bring samples of your product or coupons to give out to those that attend. This spreads awareness of your brand and motivates people to come in and purchase a product with their new discount.

Also, think about volunteering or doing community service. This philanthropic side of your business can appeal to many buyers. They see that you and your team are active in their community and want to pay their gratitude forward by attending your store. Community involvement is a tool that only small businesses can profit from, so take advantage of it.

 

5. Media Attention

So, the community service mentioned previously could be a tool for your business to get seen or featured in a local newspaper or digital site. This may cost you money, but many times it happens organically. After all, they get a story, and you get an advertisement in return.

Also, get involved with influencer marketing. Offer influencers free product or affiliate links in exchange for a shoutout on their social media sites. This can be accomplished for a low price or free, depending on whom you ask. Better yet, if you can find an influencer in your community, even better to spread the word around.

 

6. Design to Stop the Scroll

You need to have a design that grabs your visitor’s attention immediately and hooks them. If you aren’t getting as much attention as you desire, look at your graphic design. Is your logo appealing to the eye? Is your website easy to navigate? Appealing to user experience is vital for a successful business. Luckily, free tools like Canva can quickly help you design content for your business. You don’t even need to be proficient in graphic design or website building.

 

Keep Going!

Brand awareness is all about consistency and fluency across your business and messaging. Having your name heard and your brand seen. Keep experimenting with marketing techniques and improving your plan of action. Before you know it, your business will be a local household name. Hope isn’t lost.

If you’re looking for a digital marketing company to make this all come to pass, turn to Entrepreneur Made Easy. Book a no-obligation Discovery call now.