Are you are just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, and looking for the most effective ways to market your new business?
Unless you have an unlimited supply of capital to invest in your start-up (not many do), it’s always best to conserve your cash in the beginning.
So I am going to share with you 6 low-cost marketing tips.
Tip #1: Always have a plan
It doesn’t matter what kind of business you are starting up, it’s always best to have a plan before you put anything into action.
This is something you want to do with every aspect of running your business.
If you’re like me, ideas tend to spring to mind at all times of the day and night.
For that reason, it is worthwhile to keep a small notebook and pen at hand, or download a note-keeping or voice recording app on your phone.
Once you have your plan laid out make sure you stick to it, as best you can.
Tip #2: Set realistic goals
To get your work done in the most effective way possible, it is best to break down your BHAGs (big hairy audacious goals) into bite-size pieces.
That way you’ll be elated at the end of the day to have achieved so many things.
Rather than feel defeated looking at the long and incomplete to-do list you had written for yourself.
Having said that, make sure you stretch yourself.
You have to make your goals challenging.
This will encourage you to push yourself to be as effective as possible.
Tip #3: Know your target market
Before opening up for business it’s an absolute must to put together your marketing plan.
You need to know not only who your customer is, but you have to know how they think and why they buy.
The more specific you can get, the better.
And to be successful you have to be a specialist, not a generalist.
So drill down and capitalise on your unique expertise.
A vital step in this process is to check out your main competitors.
Doing this may reveal a gap in the market that’s not being met, or not being met properly.
Remember, there is no need to try to reinvent the wheel.
You just have to do it better.
Or do it differently.
Tip #4: Build a compelling brand
You want to present yourself well to your potential customers and clients by making a great first impression.
A compelling brand story is what will help you break through the noise and rise above your competitors.
If you want your story to resonate with your consumers, it needs to be both relevant and creative.
Always collect testimonials from your biggest fans, and put them in your marketing materials.
So that future associates and clients can see all the hard work you’ve done.
And how appreciated you are by those who have done business with you.
This is sure to impress and make people more likely to want to do business with you too.
Tip #5: Form a network
Being new, it can be difficult to market your products and/or services on your own.
Fortunately, social networking makes it easy for just about anybody to reach out to potential clients.
Make sure your business has a strong online presence.
And be sure to promote yourself on different social media sites.
However, social media isn’t the only way to establish a network of clients and business associates.
You want to seek out strategic partnerships with like-minded business owners who work with the same clientele as you.
Consider joining forces with those who sell complementary products and services.
Tip #6: Keep searching for new opportunities
Take up every opportunity that comes you way to market yourself or your business to others.
Make sure that you always have your business card or promotional materials with you.
Just in case you come across someone with whom you want to form a connection.
You just never know where you might meet your next customer.
I’ve met new clients in my daughters’ school yard, at the supermarket, in the doctor’s surgery, and even when stuck between floors in a lift.
What a knockout elevator pitch that was! 😉
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