13 answers
Brianna
Student
Walkersville, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to market a business that you are first starting?
starting a business, low budget
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13 answers
Sarah Rollins
Special Events Coordinator
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
There are a few ways that you can start marketing the small business that you are just starting.
The first is word of mouth. Let your friends and family know that you have started a business. Show them what you are selling and ask them if they can spread the word. I know from personal experience, this helped me grow with my small business and opened up the ability to gain a following on social media to expand my market. Friends and family are also usually the ones that end up being repeat customers to your business as well.
As mentioned, social media is also huge. This is everything from creating a dedicated business page on different social media networks and posting there. You don't need to post anything fancy, but hashtags are a big player in making sure that your posts are marketed to who you are looking to see them. This is then how those word of mouth customers from your friends and family can find you as well as other potential customers. With social media, figuring out the algorithm will also play into the attention that you get on your posts, so that is something to keep in mind.
No need to start spending money on your marketing when social media and word of mouth are free, but you are always welcome to.
The first is word of mouth. Let your friends and family know that you have started a business. Show them what you are selling and ask them if they can spread the word. I know from personal experience, this helped me grow with my small business and opened up the ability to gain a following on social media to expand my market. Friends and family are also usually the ones that end up being repeat customers to your business as well.
As mentioned, social media is also huge. This is everything from creating a dedicated business page on different social media networks and posting there. You don't need to post anything fancy, but hashtags are a big player in making sure that your posts are marketed to who you are looking to see them. This is then how those word of mouth customers from your friends and family can find you as well as other potential customers. With social media, figuring out the algorithm will also play into the attention that you get on your posts, so that is something to keep in mind.
No need to start spending money on your marketing when social media and word of mouth are free, but you are always welcome to.
Iva Kolanovic
Partner Development Manager
1
Answer
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Iva’s Answer
If it's not a very serious business or legal/bank offering/professional services, but rather a potentially fun one, maybe you should consider and explore guerrilla marketing.
It's an unconventional marketing tactic that uses surprise and creativity to promote a product or service in public spaces and events. It aims to create a memorable impression on the audience, and encourage them to spread the word of mouth about the brand that could possibly go viral. It can be very effective for small businesses and startups that have limited budgets, but it also requires careful consideration of the target market, the message, and the potential outcomes. Also, if you research guerrilla marketing you can see a lot of creative examples that have already been used to promote products and services. It's just important to ensure compliance to avoid legal or ethical issues, such as trespassing, vandalism, or offending the public. It also depends on the reaction and response of the audience, which can be unpredictable and variable.
Review Guerilla marketing examples : https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/guerilla-marketing-examples
It's an unconventional marketing tactic that uses surprise and creativity to promote a product or service in public spaces and events. It aims to create a memorable impression on the audience, and encourage them to spread the word of mouth about the brand that could possibly go viral. It can be very effective for small businesses and startups that have limited budgets, but it also requires careful consideration of the target market, the message, and the potential outcomes. Also, if you research guerrilla marketing you can see a lot of creative examples that have already been used to promote products and services. It's just important to ensure compliance to avoid legal or ethical issues, such as trespassing, vandalism, or offending the public. It also depends on the reaction and response of the audience, which can be unpredictable and variable.
Iva recommends the following next steps:
Apurva Chandra
2
Answers
Updated
Apurva’s Answer
Start by pinpointing exactly who you'd like to target with your business marketing. The more precise, the better. Next, identify the issue your business can help this customer resolve. Once you've crafted your unique selling proposition, strategize the most effective way to connect with your potential customer. Social media might be the perfect solution, but only if your prospective customers are frequent users.
sara velazquez
Educational Publishing
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
sara’s Answer
Don't underestimate yourself or the value of face-to face marketing. Use your voice to share your message. Be genuine and authentic! Remember, most of our daily life has a built-in platform: social media. For example, social media lets you crowdsource and get a wide variety of opinions from potential customers. You can use social media to ask questions of potential customers: what sort of things do they need or want that you could provide?
Also focus on selling the experience, and not just the product. Tap into the human emotion.
If your product is physical, like a candle or food, consider making free samples available at local shops or markets. You could also ask local stores if they would allow you to have a small display to help spread the word and build clientele. Family and friends could be your first customers-- and they'll give you feedback that could be very valuable.
Build a network with people you know who can support you. Research online and via social media about your particular market sector and competitors. Ask your favorite local spot how they market themselves, and research potential competition. Bear in mind that persistence is key. Don't give up, keep trying new things. Stay curious!
Consider this your first review! Good luck!
Also focus on selling the experience, and not just the product. Tap into the human emotion.
If your product is physical, like a candle or food, consider making free samples available at local shops or markets. You could also ask local stores if they would allow you to have a small display to help spread the word and build clientele. Family and friends could be your first customers-- and they'll give you feedback that could be very valuable.
Build a network with people you know who can support you. Research online and via social media about your particular market sector and competitors. Ask your favorite local spot how they market themselves, and research potential competition. Bear in mind that persistence is key. Don't give up, keep trying new things. Stay curious!
Consider this your first review! Good luck!
Asim Farhat
Account Executive
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Asim’s Answer
Social media is a great way to help your business compete and stand out amongst similar businesses. Create business accounts on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. to foster brand engagement and loyalty through likes, comments, shares, website visits, and purchases.
Guerilla marketing emphasizes creativity over budget, and strategies are often cheap and easy to implement, especially when localized. Broadcast your Twitter handle with sidewalk chalk, use an abandoned storefront as a canvas for street art, or plaster custom stickers on urban décor that makes those who stroll by look twice.
If done with care, content marketing is a highly effective tactic that doesn’t require a huge budget. Not only does it help you establish your brand as an authority in your industry, but it also helps you attract and retain customers
Guerilla marketing emphasizes creativity over budget, and strategies are often cheap and easy to implement, especially when localized. Broadcast your Twitter handle with sidewalk chalk, use an abandoned storefront as a canvas for street art, or plaster custom stickers on urban décor that makes those who stroll by look twice.
If done with care, content marketing is a highly effective tactic that doesn’t require a huge budget. Not only does it help you establish your brand as an authority in your industry, but it also helps you attract and retain customers
Akira (Conley) Goldberg
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Akira’s Answer
You can get a free license on Canva to create your own branding (logo, fonts, flyers, social media posts, etc.). Start an Instagram for your business and use the content you've created along with hash tags to generate online buzz. Make sure you're always talking about your company to anyone ad everyone who will listen. Post flyers at coffee shops. Offer your product/services for free to get a few customer testimonials so you're able to prove the value of your company.
John Ndunguru
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others are indeed excellent avenues for promoting your company, just as others have suggested. Another brilliant method to spread the word about your business is through word of mouth. If you own a car, consider using a magnetic banner to display your company details, such as a QR code or website.
When marketing your business, it's crucial to clearly communicate the following details:
- What issue are you aiming to address?
- What products or services do you provide?
- What steps does a person need to take to sign up or use your products or services?
When marketing your business, it's crucial to clearly communicate the following details:
- What issue are you aiming to address?
- What products or services do you provide?
- What steps does a person need to take to sign up or use your products or services?
Shweta Shyamsunder
Product Marketing
4
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Shweta’s Answer
The best way to market a business when you're first starting is to focus on a combination of online and offline strategies, tailored to your specific industry and target audience. Build a Strong Online Presence, focus on reviews, word of mouth etc.
Eileen Demetrio
Support Planner
5
Answers
Renton, Washington
Updated
Eileen’s Answer
Here are some ideas for you to consider. Wishing you the best with your new business!
Social Media Marketing: Establish a presence on social media platforms that are relevant to your target audience. Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to engage with your audience, share valuable content, and build a community.
Content Marketing: Create high-quality and informative content that resonates with your target audience. Start a blog on your website, share articles, videos, or infographics that provide value, and use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve visibility.
Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from interested customers and use email marketing campaigns to keep them informed about your products or services, promotions, and company updates.
Networking: Attend local events, join business associations, and network with other professionals in your industry. Building relationships can lead to word-of-mouth marketing and partnerships.
Leverage Local SEO: Optimize your website for local search by using keywords that are relevant to your location. This can help your business appear in local search results on Google and other search engines.
Online Directories: List your business on online directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and other industry-specific directories. Ensure that your contact information is accurate and complete.
Loyalty Programs: Implement a customer loyalty program that rewards repeat business and referrals. Happy customers can be your best advocates.
Partnerships: Partner with complementary local businesses for cross-promotions. For example, a local coffee shop could partner with a nearby bookstore for joint events or promotions.
Guerrilla Marketing: Get creative with your marketing efforts. This could involve using eye-catching signage, sidewalk chalk art, or other unconventional methods that get people talking about your business.
DIY PR: Reach out to local media outlets with a press release about your business or a unique story. Local newspapers, radio stations, and online publications might be interested in featuring your business.
User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to create and share content related to your products or services on social media. You can run contests or giveaways to incentivize user-generated content.
Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can significantly influence potential customers.
Microsoft Advertising: While paid advertising may seem counterintuitive on a limited budget, targeted and well-managed pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns can provide a good return on investment.
Free Workshops or Webinars: Offer free educational workshops or webinars related to your industry. This can help you establish authority and gain visibility.
Social Media Marketing: Establish a presence on social media platforms that are relevant to your target audience. Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to engage with your audience, share valuable content, and build a community.
Content Marketing: Create high-quality and informative content that resonates with your target audience. Start a blog on your website, share articles, videos, or infographics that provide value, and use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve visibility.
Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from interested customers and use email marketing campaigns to keep them informed about your products or services, promotions, and company updates.
Networking: Attend local events, join business associations, and network with other professionals in your industry. Building relationships can lead to word-of-mouth marketing and partnerships.
Leverage Local SEO: Optimize your website for local search by using keywords that are relevant to your location. This can help your business appear in local search results on Google and other search engines.
Online Directories: List your business on online directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and other industry-specific directories. Ensure that your contact information is accurate and complete.
Loyalty Programs: Implement a customer loyalty program that rewards repeat business and referrals. Happy customers can be your best advocates.
Partnerships: Partner with complementary local businesses for cross-promotions. For example, a local coffee shop could partner with a nearby bookstore for joint events or promotions.
Guerrilla Marketing: Get creative with your marketing efforts. This could involve using eye-catching signage, sidewalk chalk art, or other unconventional methods that get people talking about your business.
DIY PR: Reach out to local media outlets with a press release about your business or a unique story. Local newspapers, radio stations, and online publications might be interested in featuring your business.
User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to create and share content related to your products or services on social media. You can run contests or giveaways to incentivize user-generated content.
Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can significantly influence potential customers.
Microsoft Advertising: While paid advertising may seem counterintuitive on a limited budget, targeted and well-managed pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns can provide a good return on investment.
Free Workshops or Webinars: Offer free educational workshops or webinars related to your industry. This can help you establish authority and gain visibility.
Akriti Madan
4
Answers
Updated
Akriti’s Answer
Start by finding your target audience and the demographic your business caters to .
Do a market research , focus on consumer behavior for your target audience, use the insights from your research to identify what motivates your target consumer segment . Develop a product market fit according to the insights and then use a combination of online and offline channels to convey your brand messaging to the audience (the right channel would depend on the demographic you are targeting).
It is always helpful to design a brand messaging that is in sync with your consumers needs
Do a market research , focus on consumer behavior for your target audience, use the insights from your research to identify what motivates your target consumer segment . Develop a product market fit according to the insights and then use a combination of online and offline channels to convey your brand messaging to the audience (the right channel would depend on the demographic you are targeting).
It is always helpful to design a brand messaging that is in sync with your consumers needs
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3773
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Brianna!
Embarking on a business journey with a tight budget might seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can be an exciting adventure. By focusing on cost-effective marketing strategies, you can reach your audience and make your brand known. There's no universal solution for marketing, but there are plenty of effective methods to make the most out of your limited resources. Let's delve into the best ways to market a business when you're just starting out with a small budget.
1. Know Your Audience
Your marketing efforts should start with a clear understanding of your target audience. Knowing who your ideal customers are will allow you to craft tailored marketing messages and choose the right channels to reach them. By conducting market research, you can identify the demographics, interests, and needs of your audience, enabling you to create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with potential customers.
2. Establish a Digital Footprint
In this digital era, a strong online presence is key for any business. It provides a platform for potential customers to discover and learn about your products or services. Here are some wallet-friendly ways to establish an online presence:
- Build a Website: A website is a must-have for showcasing your business and providing information to potential customers. There are many easy-to-use website builders available that allow you to create a professional site without needing extensive technical skills.
- Optimize for Search Engines: Using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques can boost your website's visibility in search engine results. Research keywords related to your business and incorporate them into your website's content, meta tags, and headings.
- Harness Social Media: Social media platforms are excellent for engaging with your audience and promoting your business. Identify where your audience spends most of their time online and create profiles on those platforms. Regularly post engaging content, respond to comments and messages, and consider social media advertising if it fits within your budget.
- Start a Blog: A blog can help position your business as an industry expert and drive organic traffic to your website. Share valuable content that addresses your audience's pain points. Promote your blog posts through social media and encourage readers to share them.
3. Embrace Content Marketing
Content marketing is a cost-effective strategy that involves creating and sharing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. Here are some content marketing tactics you can use:
- Craft Quality Content: Develop top-notch content such as blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, or podcasts that provide value to your audience. Focus on solving their problems, answering their questions, or providing solutions to their issues.
- Guest Blogging: Offer to write guest posts for relevant industry blogs or websites. This allows you to tap into their existing audience and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list by offering valuable content or incentives in exchange for visitors' email addresses. Regularly send out newsletters or updates with relevant information, promotions, or exclusive offers to keep your audience engaged.
4. Tap into Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing involves partnering with individuals who have a significant following and influence within your target market. While some influencers may charge a fee for promoting your business, there are also micro-influencers who may be willing to collaborate in exchange for free products or services. Look for influencers whose values align with your brand and whose audience matches your target demographic.
5. Network and Collaborate
Networking is a powerful tool for promoting your business, especially when you're on a tight budget. Attend industry events, join local business organizations or chambers of commerce, and participate in online communities relevant to your niche. Engage with other professionals, share knowledge, and explore collaboration opportunities that can help expand your reach and generate referrals.
6. Promote Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to promote your business. Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your products or services by providing exceptional customer experiences, offering referral incentives, or implementing customer loyalty programs.
7. Track and Analyze Results
To ensure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts, it's crucial to track and analyze the results. Use free or affordable analytics tools to monitor website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates, and conversion rates. This data will help you identify what strategies are working well and where adjustments may be needed.
In conclusion, when starting a business with a small budget, it's important to concentrate on cost-effective marketing strategies that can help you reach your target audience and generate awareness for your brand. By defining your target audience, establishing an online presence, embracing content marketing, tapping into influencer marketing, networking, promoting word-of-mouth marketing, and tracking results, you can effectively market your business without breaking the bank.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
1. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
2. Entrepreneur (entrepreneur.com)
3. HubSpot (hubspot.com)
God bless you!
Embarking on a business journey with a tight budget might seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can be an exciting adventure. By focusing on cost-effective marketing strategies, you can reach your audience and make your brand known. There's no universal solution for marketing, but there are plenty of effective methods to make the most out of your limited resources. Let's delve into the best ways to market a business when you're just starting out with a small budget.
1. Know Your Audience
Your marketing efforts should start with a clear understanding of your target audience. Knowing who your ideal customers are will allow you to craft tailored marketing messages and choose the right channels to reach them. By conducting market research, you can identify the demographics, interests, and needs of your audience, enabling you to create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with potential customers.
2. Establish a Digital Footprint
In this digital era, a strong online presence is key for any business. It provides a platform for potential customers to discover and learn about your products or services. Here are some wallet-friendly ways to establish an online presence:
- Build a Website: A website is a must-have for showcasing your business and providing information to potential customers. There are many easy-to-use website builders available that allow you to create a professional site without needing extensive technical skills.
- Optimize for Search Engines: Using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques can boost your website's visibility in search engine results. Research keywords related to your business and incorporate them into your website's content, meta tags, and headings.
- Harness Social Media: Social media platforms are excellent for engaging with your audience and promoting your business. Identify where your audience spends most of their time online and create profiles on those platforms. Regularly post engaging content, respond to comments and messages, and consider social media advertising if it fits within your budget.
- Start a Blog: A blog can help position your business as an industry expert and drive organic traffic to your website. Share valuable content that addresses your audience's pain points. Promote your blog posts through social media and encourage readers to share them.
3. Embrace Content Marketing
Content marketing is a cost-effective strategy that involves creating and sharing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. Here are some content marketing tactics you can use:
- Craft Quality Content: Develop top-notch content such as blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, or podcasts that provide value to your audience. Focus on solving their problems, answering their questions, or providing solutions to their issues.
- Guest Blogging: Offer to write guest posts for relevant industry blogs or websites. This allows you to tap into their existing audience and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list by offering valuable content or incentives in exchange for visitors' email addresses. Regularly send out newsletters or updates with relevant information, promotions, or exclusive offers to keep your audience engaged.
4. Tap into Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing involves partnering with individuals who have a significant following and influence within your target market. While some influencers may charge a fee for promoting your business, there are also micro-influencers who may be willing to collaborate in exchange for free products or services. Look for influencers whose values align with your brand and whose audience matches your target demographic.
5. Network and Collaborate
Networking is a powerful tool for promoting your business, especially when you're on a tight budget. Attend industry events, join local business organizations or chambers of commerce, and participate in online communities relevant to your niche. Engage with other professionals, share knowledge, and explore collaboration opportunities that can help expand your reach and generate referrals.
6. Promote Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to promote your business. Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your products or services by providing exceptional customer experiences, offering referral incentives, or implementing customer loyalty programs.
7. Track and Analyze Results
To ensure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts, it's crucial to track and analyze the results. Use free or affordable analytics tools to monitor website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates, and conversion rates. This data will help you identify what strategies are working well and where adjustments may be needed.
In conclusion, when starting a business with a small budget, it's important to concentrate on cost-effective marketing strategies that can help you reach your target audience and generate awareness for your brand. By defining your target audience, establishing an online presence, embracing content marketing, tapping into influencer marketing, networking, promoting word-of-mouth marketing, and tracking results, you can effectively market your business without breaking the bank.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
1. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
2. Entrepreneur (entrepreneur.com)
3. HubSpot (hubspot.com)
God bless you!
Raymond H. Morris
Contract Extension Specialists
1
Answer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Raymond H.’s Answer
The initial step towards your entrepreneurial journey is to kick-start your business. Pinpoint a specific niche and a problem you intend to solve. Subsequently, secure your email address, choose an LLC company name, and establish your website. With these elements in place, you can shift your focus to marketing.
Leverage your email to register for a complimentary Google account and phone number. Once these are set up, you can proceed to create your free social media accounts. Utilize these platforms to market and post content related to your niche. This will help you build a robust followership and grow your email list.
Best of luck on your venture!
Leverage your email to register for a complimentary Google account and phone number. Once these are set up, you can proceed to create your free social media accounts. Utilize these platforms to market and post content related to your niche. This will help you build a robust followership and grow your email list.
Best of luck on your venture!
Adair McNeill
Marketing Consultant
1
Answer
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Adair’s Answer
A good marketing plan should always start with market research. One of the first steps is to understand your target customers, what are they looking for and how does your business align to their needs. Then doing a market scan to understand your competition, who else provides these products and services in your area and how will your business be different or offer a differentiated experience. Knowing who your target customers are and where they spend their time (which channels and platforms - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Email, etc) will help you develop your channel plan on where your should be placing marketing messages to best reach the customers looking for your products and services.
Ensuring all your content is being optimized for the keywords your customers use when looking for your products and services is another way to ensure your customers can find you. And owning your Google Business Page listing is a great way to provide content about your business that will rank in Google searches (especially when looking for “near me” products and services). Also creating a Business Page on social channels where you can create search optimized content about your business which also should be optimized for search. Having a SEO-optimized content approach will help you drive new customers to your business pages without having to spend marketing budgets on paid media campaigns. Over 50% of web traffic comes from organic search. And organic traffic tends to be higher qualified.
Best of luck!
Ensuring all your content is being optimized for the keywords your customers use when looking for your products and services is another way to ensure your customers can find you. And owning your Google Business Page listing is a great way to provide content about your business that will rank in Google searches (especially when looking for “near me” products and services). Also creating a Business Page on social channels where you can create search optimized content about your business which also should be optimized for search. Having a SEO-optimized content approach will help you drive new customers to your business pages without having to spend marketing budgets on paid media campaigns. Over 50% of web traffic comes from organic search. And organic traffic tends to be higher qualified.
Best of luck!