For many small businesses, advertising can be very costly. Most advertising channels, including social media, have gotten too expensive, especially for new small businesses looking to make a name for themselves. You also have to deal with the increasing competition and develop quality ads that set you apart from your competitors.
Most small businesses spend about 10% of their revenue on advertising; however, the rate can change depending on various factors. Several cost-friendly methods can help your business get the attention it deserves.
- Word-of-Mouth advertising
This strategy is the oldest form of advertising, and even though it might be slow in bringing in results, it is still very effective. With many people in more recent times growing tired of paid and influencer advertising, word-of-mouth is like a breath of fresh air, especially since the recommendation is coming from someone they know and trust. That’s why you must keep whatever customers you currently have happy. Because when they enjoy doing business with you, they are more likely to recommend your services to their close circles, and your network of clients will continue to grow. The best thing is that they would do all the talking for free!
- Get creative with your signage
If you have a physical storefront, you must know how important signages are, especially when attracting the right customers. Outdoor signs are vital to increasing your business’s visibility and helping it stand out from the other stores. Plus, it makes it easier for customers to easily identify you and your services. How much you spend on a sign varies, of course, but with proper budgeting, you can find one that fits your finances. You don’t need the biggest or most expensive sign to help you attract more customers. Instead, it would be best if you were strategic. Consider factors like placement, color combinations, and lighting if you’re thinking of putting up building signs. Your sign must also communicate what your business is about and fit into its personality.
- Create a website
No matter how small or new your business is, it needs a website. It can even be a single-page website that contains all the important information any visitor would need. Plus, most people prefer to search for a business rather than ask others or physically search for it. Fortunately, having a website is not a luxury meant for larger corporations. Several programs can help you create a website, even if you’re not a professional website designer. Plus, many of them come with free templates and customization tools. Ensure that your website includes your contact info, physical address, and the type of services you offer.
These are some of the best and most affordable ways to help attract more customers to your business. Ensure you stick to the one that works best for you and your business or combine any of these strategies. This way, you’ll yield the best results. Attracting more customers will mean more sales, and you can start investing in more expensive advertising strategies.