While smart and efficient marketing is an essential part to any business’ success, many startups forego this because they don’t know how to market without spending a lot of money. This article will show you five inexpensive and effective ways to market your business that will bring in new customers through your door…

Email Marketing

Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach online customers. If you want the best conversion rates, then it’s a good idea to re-design your website in a way that encourages email signups. For example, you can give away a free guide or sample product in exchange for the person’s email address.

Once you start receiving signups, it is a good idea to launch a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter where you talk about your latest offerings, discounts and events.

Don’t have a website? No problem, with the advent of user-friendly CMS engines such as WordPress or Joomla, it should only take a few hours or so to build a basic website. You should know that having a website in today’s digital world is a must regardless of the type of business you’re in.

Flyers

There are probably many bulletin boards available in your city where you can post your flyers for free. Custom-designed flyers are affordable, and they can boost your visibility and brand recognition considerably if you use an attractive and catchy design that makes you stand out from the rest of your competitors. You can also hand flyers out to people in your local area or pay a student to do it for you!

If you do this, consider adding a coupon or special offering on the flyer. People are more willing to keep a flyer that can save them money!

Referral Programs

Referrals are one of the best ways to get new customers. People trust their friends. If their friend tells them that you’re a great company, then they will almost instantly buy from you. You can increase the odds of someone referring their friends to you by making a referral program.

For example, you take 20 percent off each person’s order when a friend is referred. This ensures that two new orders are made, you get a new customer and your repeat customer is happy.

If you have an online store, then you can also use an affiliate program. Affiliates will market your business in exchange for a percentage of every sale. Sites like Amazon, eBay and many other large businesses are actively using affiliate marketing as part of their overall marketing strategy.

Business Cards

Never underestimate the power of a good business card! Business cards have been used for decades to network and bring in new customers, and they are still very effective. Business cards show people who you are, what you do and they give you the chance to amaze them with a good design.

Business card printing is affordable, and you can get a professional design for just a little extra money. Avoid using cheap business cards as these may actually hurt your brand. See this article to learn why.

If you don’t have business cards, then you’re missing an opportunity to reach new customers.

Online Forums

There are online forums on every topic. You can leverage an online forum by just being an active member. Before you start talking to anyone you should modify your forum signature so that there’s a link to your company’s website. The vast majority of forums allow you to do this.

All you need to do now is be active and helpful. You shouldn’t try to advertise your business. If you directly market yourself, then you might get banned. Just be helpful. If you do this, then appreciative members will click your signature link to buy from you.

Marketing a business on a budget can be difficult. At the same time, there are many great options available to you that cost close to nothing. Just get some business cards and flyers, be active on an online forum and offer a referral program. This will help you bring in new customers, and you will attract repeat customers that keep buying from you.
Marie Diaz blogs about marketing tips for businesses of all sizes. She has been running her own business successfully for every 10 years. She currently writes for TPH, a Canadian printer with offices in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and many other cities.