One of the most common mistakes that small business owners make, is that they slow down their marketing efforts when their sales figures rise. It’s as if they expect that the sales that they are currently pulling will be enough to sustain the bottom line of their business. It’s a common mistake, but one you should aim to avoid falling into.
There are a lot of reasons that marketing gets shoved to the back of the queue for small businesses, with the most common being the budgetary considerations of marketing. True, it does take up a sizeable chunk of the budget but it’s also a necessary chunk! Luckily, you can tailor your marketing efforts to your budget and make it work for you. There are plenty of ways that you can market your business that are free, but as a small business owner, your focus should be the local community. Your small company needs a personality and a face and it’s the locals that will sit up and take notice of you. So, how can you get your company across as relatable while benefiting the locals at the same time?
Raise cash for a charity
Believe it or not, raising money for a charity isn’t just about your PR, though it will do you some favours. You can collaborate with a local charity to make your focus raising awareness for their cause with Global Faces Direct monthly giving campaigns. You can look after your marketing efforts by channelling the needs of a local charity, raising awareness for them as well as money and making your company look good locally. It’s a win-win either way.
Chamber of commerce
Most small towns and every major city have a Chamber of Commerce that you can get involved in. There are monthly networking events that are run by the Chamber, and you can pitch your business as well as do a spread of sponsored advertisements in the local news. You can build a steady relationship with the local community this way while being verified as genuine.
Reward loyalty
Customers that will use your products or services and enjoy them will come back for more. It’s a good idea to offer incentives to new customers, but you also have to be willing to look after the existing customers, too. If you offer discounted products and services in exchange for referrals, you can capitalise on your ability to have new customers on board while making the loyal ones happier.
Be present
A big issue with companies is that they have no interaction or inclusion with people. If you make a point of engaging with the locals with live Q & A sessions on social media or hosting small and spontaneous events in your premises, they will be more inclined to see what you are all about.
Marketing should never fall by the wayside just because you’ve found a little success. Keep working hard to bring business to your front door and you’ll never be without it.
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