Five strategies to market your small business on a shoe-string budget

I've been asked about 'marketing on a budget' so many times that I’ve decided to write a short but sweet blog entry offering five ‘free’ marketing strategies to include in any shoe string marketing budget. So here goes:

Always have a business card – Use a design tool such as Canva to help you to create clean, brand-centric business card… The card should include all your contact information such as name of the business, telephone contact, email address, social media handles and a website if you have one.  In terms of cost; printing! Keep electronic cards handy though as many businesses trade online.

Networking – Networking is the single most effective form of marketing when you are on a shoestring budget.  Identify groups that have similar or complementary interests and see how you can benefit from building business relationships.

Collaboration – Another strategy that can build your business Identified during networking, look for businesses that both of you can benefit from a relationship for each other.  For example, you are a maker of bamboo straws and you meet a leather products manufacturer who can create holder for the straws, that could be a beneficial partnership.

Blogging/Content Marketing – My absolute favourite, maybe because I am a Content Writer.  One of the cheapest, most effective way to get the message about your business in front of your target audience is producing and sharing practical, useful content.  If you do not have a website, not a problem.  Sites such as Blogger and Wordpress will host your blog for free, providing free templates that accommodate both text and images and allows for building your audience.  Use your blog to share information about each of your products and/or services and target the blog to your ideal customer audience.  A blog is always best if supported by social media platforms that drive traffic to the blog.

Never miss an opportunity to share your opinion – Yes, you are in business to make money but you may get offers to share your expertise and there is no compensation… do not decline.  Use the opportunity to build your credibility and reputation as a thought leader in the specific area.