5 Ways To Promote Your Business That Are 100% Free
In today's competitive business climate, it is unlikely to realize success without a concerted marketing effort. Despite this fact, many business owners find a variety of excuses for not marketing their businesses. The good news is that many productive ways exist for business owners to market their products and services at no cost. The five methods listed below are excellent for promoting a business for free.
Blogs or Websites
Many business owners fail to take advantage of the promotional power provided by websites and blogs. Many platforms presently exist that allow the business owner to add a blog to their website at no cost. All businesses need a website or blog to act as a 24-hour-a-day marketing agent. By creating creative and informative content, your website and business will be regarded as an expert in the field. Soon, potential and existing customers will continue to frequently return to your website, looking for the next article. This helps generate more leads, convert more sales, and help establish your business as the trusted source for their needs.
Social Media Activity
The business owner that has not yet utilized social media to promote their business is missing out on many golden opportunities. There are literally hundreds of millions of people that use social media platforms each day. A viral post can do wonders for raising the visibility of a business.
It is quite possible you have seen ads from companies that offer tailored campaigns for social media exposure. These campaigns are often available to the business owner at a hefty price. However, it is totally unnecessary for a business to spend money to promote via social media. Business owners can start their own business profiles on any of the major social media platforms. As WordStream reminds us, “Consistent with other areas of online marketing, content reigns supreme when it comes to social media marketing. Make sure you post regularly and offer truly valuable information that your ideal customers will find helpful and interesting.” Regular posts on these platforms will eventually gain a following and more people will become aware of what the business has to offer.
Reviews
The many review sites that are available online make it possible for customers to immediately relay their experiences with a business to other consumers. Business owners should solicit reviews from their customers and ask them to leave these reviews on the applicable websites. This can quickly spread awareness for a business. As Podium puts it, “One quick Google search is all they need to make a decision about your business. If the reviews are good, then congratulations! You've likely won yourself another customer. If the reviews are negative or nonexistent, however, your potential client will probably move on to the next candidate.”
Online review sites are extremely powerful tools for a business. This is due to the number of consumers that refer to these sites before purchasing products and services. This could be the edge you need to steer customers in your direction and away from competitors in the market.
Networking
It always makes sense to have contacts within your chosen business niche. This is true whether these contacts are online or off. Online networking is a great way to promote a business. Contacts made by your business can provide exposure by featuring your business on their social media pages and websites. In return, you can do the same to offer reciprocal exposure to the contact. Daymond John’s Success Formula suggests that you “build your network by taking courses and attending workshops, networking events, trade shows, and conferences.” These will help you get your name and brand out there and be able to learn more about your industry in the process.
Referral and Affiliate Programs
Referral and affiliate programs are great ways to locate new customers while rewarding existing customers for sharing information about your business with friends and family. There are programs online that exist for free that will help you track referral activity and payments. It is only necessary to offer small incentives to customers that refer other business to you. However, loyal customers will appreciate the gesture and enjoy sharing the news of your product and service offerings to others.
Final Thoughts
The many avenues that are available for businesses to promote their services are unmatched by any other time in history. It is important that business owners make good use of these opportunities. This is necessary because a poorly marketed business has little chance of success in today's competitive business environment. The five tips discussed above can be powerful tools to give you a leg up on the competition.
Forte Digital is Farmington’s premier digital marketing agency. Whether it be web design and development, digital marketing, social media management, application development, or fast web hosting—we offer a wide variety of services and products to help grow your business.