Free and Low-Budget Ideas to Promote a Small Business

Think big, spend small.

If you are here, there is a high probability that you have already quit your 9–5 job and stepped into the world of entrepreneurship. Your passion for making a business successful knows no bounds. You are willing to go every extra mile possible and wear multiple hats to make your business successful. When it comes to promoting your startup, your network can be the best tool. But at the time of marketing, your bank account sings a different tune. With limited finances, you have to be resourceful and creative to get your name out there. And let’s admit, marketing and that too low-budget-effective marketing is no joke!

If you are tech-savvy or even a bit digital-friendly, you know the power of social media. We all have spent numerous hours just scrolling on these platforms. Start with having a vibrant online presence on Google Business and Social Media. You can showcase your creations and engage with potential customers through interactive contests, giveaways, collaborations, etc. Anything that can generate excitement and anticipation among the masses.

I understand, at this point, you feel that I am talking too mainstream! But why not talk about the basics before we jump on offbeat ideas to market a startup? Your online presence plays a major role in making your business rank on various platforms for the right keywords. In marketing terms, we call it SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and SMO (Social Media Optimization). I won’t ask you to go into the details of it and spend money to optimize your business for both if you are a startup. But you can start by marking your presence with the best content you can generate, to have an online visibility.

While you are at it, consider these below-listed free and low-budget ideas to promote your small business:

Product Placement

Think outside the box and explore unexpected locations for your product placement. This could be collaborating with a local coffee shop to display your products on their counter, partnering with a florist to include samples in their bouquets, or offering product placement in local supermarkets.

Choose placements that align with your brand and target audience.

Limited-Edition Products

Create themed merchandise: Design limited-edition products inspired by the movies, such as clothing, accessories, or home goods featuring characters, quotes, or imagery from the film.
Create festival-specific products: Design products specifically for the local festival in the city.

Ensure these limited-edition products align with your overall brand identity and resonate with your target audience.

Email Marketing

While email marketing is a powerful tool (40 times more effective than social media) for promoting your small business, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about selling your products or services. Instead, your emails should focus on providing valuable information and building relationships with your audience.

Make sure your email talks about the practical use of your product. For example, if you are in online grocery delivery services, talk about recipes. If you are in the clothing business, your email should talk about the latest in fashion and trending colours. This way, you are solving the problems your audience faces while also educating them about the subject, rather than just selling.

• When you focus on educating and informing your audience, you’re not just pushing a sale; you’re adding value to their lives.
• Stories and visuals can make your content more engaging and memorable. Use them to illustrate and make your emails more visually appealing.

Personalized Notes with every order dispatched

Adding a handwritten note to every order is a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way toward building customer relationships and enhancing brand perception. However, simply saying “thank you” is just the beginning. By incorporating storytelling into your notes, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your customers.

• Stories have the power to evoke emotions and connect with people on a deeper level. Sharing the story behind your product, the artist’s journey or the inspiration behind the design allows customers to connect with the values and passion behind your brand.
• Highlighting the dedication and effort invested in creating each product adds value and appreciation. Share details like the number of hours an artist invests, the intricate techniques used, or the sourcing of sustainable materials.
• If you’re a sustainable brand, share your commitment to ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices in your day-to-day life.

Make sure to not overload your note with information. Focus on a single story that resonates with your brand and your product.

Inject Humor

Humour is capable of capturing attention, building connections, and making your brand memorable.

• Embrace the Meme: Memes are a low-cost, highly shareable way to spread humour. Find popular meme formats relevant to your industry or target audience and adapt them with your witty captions or images. This approach allows you to tap into existing trends and reach a wider audience without significant creative investment.
• Create relatable content: Humor thrives on relatability. Share humorous anecdotes about your business experiences or even the everyday challenges of running a small business.

This is just a glimpse into the world of low-budget marketing. So embrace your inner entrepreneur, think outside the box, and start crafting your unique journey to the top!

Here are some Bonus tips:

• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Focus on your target audience.
• Track your results and make adjustments as needed.
• Be creative and have fun!

If you’re looking for someone to brainstorm fresh marketing ideas, I’d love to chat! Connect with me today at parul715@gmail.com and let’s discuss how I can help you achieve your marketing goals.