Small businesses must aware that they may not have the funding to do things at a large, major corporation level. They must take a “smaller” approach to their marketing. Small businesses need to keep in mind that successful marketing is important regardless of size.

To get the word out about your small business, you don’t have to blow your entire marketing budget on one big campaign. Here are some simple methods that work and can help take your business to the next level.

  •  Be a personable business

No one wants to be sold to, but everyone wants to do business with people they like and trust. One of the best ways you can be interesting is by being interested in your customers.

Your business needs to be personable and let people see the real you. When a potential customer thinks about your company and brand, they should be able to envision you. Unfortunately, most businesses today have a very corporate feeling and don’t have that friendly appeal.

If you want to be successful in today’s business environment, you need to provide an exceptional service and an experience that people talk about. That means being personable and allowing your employees to be the face of your business. The best way you can do this is by staying connected with your customers through social media channels, and most importantly, through your brand’s voice.

  • Show your expertise. 

People buy from experts. That’s why the deck of your business plan should include proof that you have the skills, expertise and knowledge to run a successful enterprise. From a solid track record in two previous companies, to broad or deep industry experience or an educational background in your particular field, or hosting an event or class, if you know your stuff (and can prove it), people are more likely to trust your ability to convert them into buyers – and keep them happy once they’re on board.

  • Set up a solid and responsive website.  

Your website is the backbone of your business. For a small business owner, it can be an extremely powerful tool in sharing your message with the world. It is what defines you in front of customers and helps you attract new leads and sell more products or services.

75% of consumers turn to the internet when they are looking for a new business. Reputation is no longer enough to attract customers. A solid website with a strong online presence is a must for all small businesses.

  • Focus on effective content marketing 

Content marketing involves creating and curating valuable content that addresses your target audience’s needs. This allows you to position yourself as an industry expert and influencer in your niche market.

Today, consumers are online and networked as never before. They use search engines to find the answers to their questions. It matters more than ever that you can be the one who gives them what they need. That’s where content marketing comes in. Content marketing is one of the best ways to get on the first page of Google results for terms that your customers may already be searching for. 

Using the right approach when it comes to writing content for your business can be tricky, but remember you essentially have three goals with content marketing: 

  • Be found by your audience.
  • Engage your audience, and
  • Ask them to do something based on what you’ve given them.

If you want your audience to recognize a brand, if you want them to become customers, you have to become part of their routine. The best content in the world is useless if no one sees it. The trick is to make sure you promote your content using tools such as SEO services from discount domains so people can find it and read it and act on it. 

  • Be social media-savvy

Social media is as important to a small business as an online presence. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are the norm for young people when finding and deciding what products to buy; it’s the new face of customer service. 

Social media is vital for small businesses because it serves as another arm in sales. 86% of people say they consult social media daily before making a purchase decision. In fact, 67% of users say that social media supports their buying decisions; and 50% say they trust online reviews just as much or more than personal recommendations – so get your business on your customers’ radars at the first possible moment.

  • Utilise email marketing

Some people might argue that the best way to get in touch with people is through social media. Although social media can be a good tool, I strongly believe when you’re running a small business, email marketing is still king.

Email is one of the best channels for converting leads into sales, and small businesses depend on it, with nearly 2.6 billion emails sent per day in the U.S. alone. That makes it an important channel for your business to be using.

Email marketing gives you direct, personalized access to your targeted audience. Every message can be tailored to each individual in a way that adds value and makes them want to open it. You can offer contextual, timely, relevant and engaging content that reflect your personal values. And you don’t need thousands of subscribers to see results. To get started with email marketing check out MailChimp and Aweber for free tools.

  • Explore vehicle branding

Vehicle graphics are among the most visible and affordable forms of advertising and marketing today. While this form of marketing may seem like an indulgent luxury for small local businesses, the truth is that it will help you to be successful today. Your vehicle can act as both a billboard and a mobile salesperson for your business. When used correctly, your customized car can deliver superb value for money. 

A vehicle wrap is similar to a billboard you can drive around for weeks or even months, without paying any extra fees. It’s more engaging than a business card, more memorable than a brochure, it’s simply the best form of marketing for any small businesses operating in highly competitive markets.

Wrapping up

Unless you’re a small business owner, it can be difficult to wrap your head around the value of a low-budget marketing plan when you’re accustomed to big-budget businesses spending millions getting their brand out there. But it’s not always about how much you spend, it’s what you do on a budget that counts.