Marketing isn't just for the big guys, nor should it be. With small businesses comprising 99.7 percent of all companies in the United States in 2016, according to the Census Bureau, small companies are actually big business. So adopt a mentality of small but mighty and start getting the word out about how awesome you are. And don't worry: Getting started doesn't have to be complicated, or expensive. To get you headed in the right direction, here are 3 marketing ideas for small businesses that you can start implementing today.
Join social media, and not for the selfies.
Pick a social media channel that fits your business. Is your company best represented by images? Then maybe you want to join Instagram, where your products and services can literally shine. Maybe your company will do best on Facebook, where you can share your innovative ideas, post your latest blog content, or crowdsource ideas for a new project. Whatever medium you choose, make sure it is focused on your business, not your personal life, and take the opportunity to connect with a network of customers and potential customers who can spread the word about your company.
If you already have this marketing idea for small businesses locked down, then go ahead and make a post on your social media channel of choice today. Social media only works if you are regularly updating your presence and interacting with your network, so make doing that a priority for your company. It may be a small step, but it is a step toward greater brand awareness and positivity, so embrace it.
Write a blog post.
A blog is one of the most cost-effective marketing ideas for small businesses. Not only does a well-written blog give you a place to showcase your expertise and provide meaningful information to your customers, but it gives you a place to put material that can help you earn better spots in the search results (a process called search engine optimization). Plus, great blog content can be used in other ways, from social media posts to email campaigns, newsletters, and infographics.
While writing a blog post might seem intimidating, start small. Try writing 500 words on something you know a lot about and that is related to your industry. For example, are you the best Italian restaurant in town? Consider a post on what makes hand thrown pizzas better than the run-of-the-mill stuff you can get at your local Dominoes. Are you a florist? Take one of your favorite customer stories about how your flowers made a difference, and tell it on your blog (with their permission, of course).
Get a consultation with a digital marketing company.
Finally, if you want to a marketing idea for small businesses that you can implement today but reap the benefits from for the long-term, consider reaching out to a digital marketing company for a consultation. They can help you evaluate your website for effectiveness (or help you build a website from scratch), get your social media marketing on point, implement search engine optimization, start up a blog for you, and more.
And before you start seeing dollar signs, know that here at Distinct Web Design, we offer services customized to both the needs and the budgets of small businesses. We can give you a free digital marketing evaluation and then help you develop a plan for truly effective online marketing that won't break the bank.
So don't write off the chance to market your business today. Start up a social media profile, start creating some content, and reach out to Distinct Web Design. It doesn't take long, but it could make a big difference for your small business.
