Cost-effective Ways to Promote Your Small Business

Just because your business is smaller in scale, it doesn't mean you can't have the resources to promote it. Here are some simple and cost-effective ways to promote your small business.

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Small businesses are truly the backbone of the economy. This is why no matter how small your brand or company is, you can find ways to promote it, especially through the help of the internet, which has single-handedly democratized advertising and marketing. Regardless of your budget, you have multiple tools in your arsenal you can use to propel your business forward.Here are some simple and cost-effective ways to promote your small business.

Paid ads

Paid advertising, also known as pay-per-click (PPC), is an advertising strategy that involves paying the owner of specific ad space so that marketers or business owners can use that space. On the internet, it when publishers are paid every time a user clicks on that ad. Utilizing paid ad services is a cost-effective way togetting more leads which can then convert to sales, gaining a greater revenue stream, and help achieve your business's goals. When you enlist the help of people who know the ins and outs of PPC, you also gain the following:

• An insight into your competitors and how you can outperform their efforts and mobilization
• Strategy development, which can help you get the most bang for your buck since you will constantly be seeing results
• Extensive keyword research, which can help you find which keywords will perform best to help your business receive optimum conversions

This model ensures that you don't waste your money, especially since specialists will know which targets to hit every time. Trust experts to guide you as you build a name for your brand and take it to greater heights.

Social media

Social media is one of the biggest weapons you have in your arsenal, and the best part is that it's (usually) free. You can use your social media platforms to ensure that your audience is narrowed down and that you can target the customers you want to reach. One example of this is finding people within a certain mile radius of your physical store or shop. Here are some examples of social media platforms you might do well to prioritize for your business:

• Facebook is known for charging a relatively low amount for its ads, and it's also one of the best platforms you can prioritize because almost 2.80 billion adults use this social network.
• Instagram is another platform suitable for small businesses because of its visual appeal and how it attracts younger consumers. Studies show that among the 1 billion users, 60 percent of them are under the age of 30.So if your target audience is millennials or Generation Z, you might be more than likely to find them on Instagram. One of the key aspects of Instagram is that they use many if not all the same targeting parameters that Facebook uses, and this includes video ads, image ads, carousel ads, and ads on the Stories feature. This platform also offers an option to use a call-to-action button which can then lead to your website.
• If your brand has more of a business-to-business (B2B) sales model, LinkedIn advertising might be for you. While their advertising fees tend to be a bit more costly, it's still a suitable option for small businesses who want to target professionals with specific job titles or those in certain industries.

Review sites and local listings

Another affordable way to get your business's name out is by using different platforms and listings to promote your brand.If your business is more local, like a store, motel, or restaurant, you will do well to list your business on a review site where your customers can instantly leave their glowing reviews, which can help you engage and attract other customers. Some platforms you can explore include:

• Foursquare
• Yelp,which is a platform that collects customer reviews for all types of businesses, and the best part is that brands can manage a listing for free
• MapQuest
• TripAdvisor,if your small business is like a vacation rental or abed-and-breakfast
• Merchant Circle

Listing your company on any of these platforms can go a long way in letting people know your brand exists and that it's open for business.Make sure the information, like address and opening hours, is always updated.

Additional Tips

• Combinepaid advertising with free ones, and allow your business to make a bigger splash with these combined efforts.
• Balance short-term and long-term goals.Paid ads usually produce faster results, while free options usually take longer. Let both efforts produce more than you expect.

As a small business owner, one of the best things you can do for your brand is always be on the lookout for new advertising opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled and give your brand a boost by giving it your best shot.