Small business owners are always in need of creative strategies for increasing their brand awareness. Here are three ideas that go beyond simple radio and TV ads.
Sponsor a Local Event
You can reach potential customers at almost any event, from festivals to park cleanups to farmers’ markets. Check with the organizers as early as possible to determine the best way to get your name in front of the crowd. There’s nothing wrong with setting up a booth or having your business’s name front and center on the sponsor list, but those aren’t the only options. You might be able to provide merchandise or a gift card for prize drawings and auctions or furnish items for use in interactive exhibits.
Embrace the Swag
Everyone loves free stuff! Ink pens and T-shirts are oldies-but-goodies, but there’s an almost limitless variety of custom promotional items available these days. In addition to offering swag directly to your existing customers, ask local apartment managers and real estate agents if you can include one of your branded items in their move-in welcome packs. Even if your current budget doesn’t allow for large giveaways, you and each of your employees should have at least one customized item that you wear or use on a regular basis.
Invest in Your Online Presence
While creating an informative, mobile-friendly, and easy-to-navigate business website is crucial, it’s only the first step. Today’s customers are engaging with online content in more ways than ever. In addition to actively maintaining your accounts on the major social media platforms, consider contacting online influencers, sponsoring a podcast (or starting your own), and creating your own online videos. Pay special attention to websites and email newsletters focused on your local community and consider placing an ad or asking for a write-up.
Small businesses might seem to be at a disadvantage when it comes to marketing, but you don’t need a corporation-sized budget in order to grab eyeballs.
