A small business is often hampered by insufficient funds.
Therefore, launching a costly advertising campaign is not the right
method of advertising a small business. So, what is the best way?
• Identify your audience
If you have just launched a small business, you have probably spent a lot of time building and planning it. Part of that planning process must involve the final consumer of the product. Your products might appeal to a certain group of people, but to other people, they may be a total turn off. So it doesn't make sense to try to market them to everyone. Identifying a target audience may prove to be very beneficial to you. It will help you save resources. Focusing on a portion of people who might be interested in your products will give you an easy time to communicate and engage with that segment more efficiently.
• Reaching out to local media
Many TV networks offer advertising opportunities that are within the budget of small businesses. Another common advertising method is radio advertising. In fact, running commercials on a local radio station is economical and effective. However, you cannot treat all media channels the same way. Thus, before you promote your business on any local media, ask the following questions:
Does my product solve a problem?
What is my budget?
Does it offer a unique service?
• Social media
There are tons of social media sites out there that can help promote your business for little or no investment. Maybe time is the only major investment when it comes to social media advertising. Social networking can help cultivate stronger relationships with clients and prospects. Before you start, however, make sure the target market you're trying to reach is already using that media.
• Ask for referral
Don't be afraid to ask your existing customers to refer their friends. The vast majority of people, if asked, are willing to provide referrals for free. If you're not asking for referrals, then you are missing out great opportunities. In addition to this, don't let them go, build a relationship with them. Establishing a lasting relationship with your customers is fundamental.
• Offer free trials
If a potential client has a chance to taste the product, chances are they will come to buy more. Don't be reluctant to offer someone a sample or a free trial. People are more likely to buy something that they've been able to experience for themselves.
• Identify your audience
If you have just launched a small business, you have probably spent a lot of time building and planning it. Part of that planning process must involve the final consumer of the product. Your products might appeal to a certain group of people, but to other people, they may be a total turn off. So it doesn't make sense to try to market them to everyone. Identifying a target audience may prove to be very beneficial to you. It will help you save resources. Focusing on a portion of people who might be interested in your products will give you an easy time to communicate and engage with that segment more efficiently.
• Reaching out to local media
Many TV networks offer advertising opportunities that are within the budget of small businesses. Another common advertising method is radio advertising. In fact, running commercials on a local radio station is economical and effective. However, you cannot treat all media channels the same way. Thus, before you promote your business on any local media, ask the following questions:
Does my product solve a problem?
What is my budget?
Does it offer a unique service?
• Social media
There are tons of social media sites out there that can help promote your business for little or no investment. Maybe time is the only major investment when it comes to social media advertising. Social networking can help cultivate stronger relationships with clients and prospects. Before you start, however, make sure the target market you're trying to reach is already using that media.
• Ask for referral
Don't be afraid to ask your existing customers to refer their friends. The vast majority of people, if asked, are willing to provide referrals for free. If you're not asking for referrals, then you are missing out great opportunities. In addition to this, don't let them go, build a relationship with them. Establishing a lasting relationship with your customers is fundamental.
• Offer free trials
If a potential client has a chance to taste the product, chances are they will come to buy more. Don't be reluctant to offer someone a sample or a free trial. People are more likely to buy something that they've been able to experience for themselves.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8334518
