Refresh with Low-Cost Small Business Marketing Ideas

May 3, 2023

Spring is known as a time to refresh, and one way every small business owner can do that without breaking the bank is to review their marketing plan and implement some new ideas. To help, the small business experts at BayFirst have compiled a list of 10 easy but impactful ways you can improve how you promote your business to stay top of mind for current customers and attract even more this spring and beyond.

1. Focus on your differentiators. Chances are you have competitors offering a similar product or service. But what sets your business apart? It could be your backstory, your commitment to the community, a unique problem you can solve, or your ability to go above and beyond for your customers. Find your differentiator and emphasize it on all marketing channels to build trust, brand awareness, and loyalty.
2. Focus on local SEO. Google’s algorithm is designed to serve users accurate and relevant content, which includes sharing nearby results. So be sure to use location-based keywords including your town when possible. Also, make sure your business appears in local directories, and share and post content mentioning and targeting the specific communities you serve.
3. Reward customers for their referrals. It’s no secret that people trust their friends and family over most ads, which is why word of mouth is so important for small businesses. So, why not incentivize your happy customers to spread the word about your business with coupons, freebies or additional perks?
4. Consider new marketing vehicles. Are you currently using the right marketing tools to reach your target audience? Maybe it’s time to consider adding email newsletters to the mix, which can be created inexpensively using an online platform. Or try using direct mail to reach a wider age group.
5. Amplify your social media presence. When it comes to social media, consistency is key. So be sure you are keeping up with your posts, responding quickly to all comments, and maintaining your tone in everything you do.  
6. Seek out free advertising credits. While an expansive print and online ad campaign might be out of your small business budget, Facebook and Google often offer discounts and coupons for free ads, so be sure to take advantage.
7. Optimize your website. Having a website is a necessity, but just having one does not guarantee traffic. You must utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to ensure you are showing up in searches. Easy steps to take include having a searchable domain name, using the right keywords within your content, and making sure your pages are user-friendly. 
8. Partner with like-minded industry pros. Other small business owners can provide advice, support and even referrals, which makes industry partnerships so important. Look for ways to partner with a related or likeminded business on promotional giveaways, events, and more to create a mutually beneficial relationship, and expand your audience by reaching theirs, too.
9. Start blogging. A blog is a great place to answer frequently asked questions, share information about your business, post relevant industry news, educate customers, and more. You can also repurpose information in blogs by sharing them on social media or adding them to enewsletters.
10. Request customer feedback. Every business can benefit from hearing about their customers’ experiences, good or bad. That’s why it’s a good idea to send surveys or request feedback on an ongoing basis. There are many free or low-cost online survey hosting services that make this simple. Just be sure to act based on the results!

When it comes to low-cost small business marketing ideas, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Looking for the funds to cover larger scale marketing efforts or need additional assistance growing your business? We can help. Give us a call at 833.220.2792 or fill out the form below to get started.