As a business owner, you already have a lot to worry about. From meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations to making sure all of your expenses are paid, it’s hard to wear so many hats at once. Add in a whole marketing plan and budget, and the costs can quickly get out of hand.
Luckily there are many ways to advertise your business without spending a dime. Here are some examples:
Start a Blog
Every business website should have a blog attached to it. A blog enables a business to connect with their customers. You can show some behind the scenes action at your business, describe your products, and introduce your team. Starting a blog is very simple and if you have an already established website, you can typically download a blog template for free and get started right away.
Once you get more proficient with your blog, you can learn about search engine optimization and how to leverage your blog to ensure your customers can find you easier through a Google search.
Learn Pinterest Marketing
Pinterest is quickly becoming one of the most important social media sites out there. You can learn how to create images for your blog posts or your business for free with a service like Canva, and then post those images on Pinterest for free.
Watch free videos on how to use Pinterest effectively, join group boards, and regularly pin every day to find the marketing plan that works best for you. The best part is that this strategy will only cost you your time, not your money, and it can dramatically improve the traffic that goes to your website.
Word of Mouth Marketing
It might seem old school, but word of mouth marketing is still one of the best (free) ways to market your business. You can start by asking your current clients or customers to tell their friends and family about you. Lots of business owners don’t think to ask their clients to write a testimonial or offer to give a discount to them if they send business your way. For example, if you’re a hair stylist within a salon, you can tell your customers that you will give them a free haircut for every three new customers they send you. It’s a simple way to market that again, only costs you your time.
You should also regularly build your business contacts through attending networking events in your local area. Join your chamber of commerce, attending networking dinners, and hand out your business cards when you strike up a conversation with someone new. Remember, you are your best asset when it comes to your business and you’re also your own best salesperson because you know your business best.
Ultimately, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on marketing for your business. With a little bit of time and focused effort, you can absolutely grow your business without spending a dime by networking with other business owners, optimizing your website, and learning social media strategies to grow your business.
