If you are the owner of a small business, you probably don’t have much to spend on marketing. However, it is a fact that many small businesses fail to take advantage of the opportunities that exist for marketing their businesses in simple ways that cost nothing or little to implement.

There are several things you can do to take advantage of existing contact points with customers and prospects that will be beneficial in promoting your business, services and products. These methods include the following:

7 Simple Marketing Strategies

1. Business Cards

With very little money, you can make simple cards that promote your business. Interestingly, many businesses don’t use this great method of promoting their business, special offers or products. When ordering business cards, consider how you can utilize the space effectively. For instance, a business card should include the website address which one can use to access free information, resources, product demos and tools. You could also include a coupon in your business card as an incentive.

2. Invoices

Do you send out invoices electronically or in print? Invoices are ideal for promoting a brand, service or product. They also give you an opportunity to thank your customers and inform them about other things that you offer. An effective message for your invoice could be, “Thank you for doing business with us. For more information about our products, call……..”. This message can enhance awareness and get your customers attention.

3. Emails

Nothing in marketing is as effective as a list of customer emails. The customers who volunteer their email addresses are interested in hearing from you. Do your best to motivate customers to offer their email addresses. You could provide a small incentive such as a branded pen or free information. 

4. Thank you notes

When you make a sale, insert a brief thank you note offering your gratitude and desire to do long term business with the customer. You could also enclose your latest flier or catalog. This will go a long way in demonstrating your appreciation for your customer and expressing interest in establishing a long term relationship.

5. Online coupons or offers

When you are offering a particular product or service, you should have information concerning it on your site. In addition, offer your prospective customers an incentive. When visitors to your website take an interest in your service or product, offering an incentive can drive significant response rates. This is a strategy that I have used in my diet blog to promote Nutrisystem discounts and Medifast coupons.

6. Free samples

Giving free samples is a very effective marketing strategy. Even when you are offering a service, you could provide a way of prospective buyers to try out your service at no cost. This can lead to more trials and conversions.

7. Encourage referrals

Small businesses which take advantage of the power of referrals enjoy strong growth. When others suggest your services or products, it’s like having your own sales team. Referrals are powerful because the prospective customer is being urged to buy from an already existing associate, customer, influencer or expert.

How will these simple marketing strategies help your business success?

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