6 Ways to Promote Your Small Business

Promoting your business may be one of your biggest challenges, but regardless of the size of your company, regular promotion is a crucial element. If people don’t know about your business, what you sell, or how to make a purchase, you will not last long. From start up to currently operating, every business must regularly and thoughtfully promote their products.

In today’s world, digital social media marketing has become more user friendly and affordable than ever before. You can assume that your main competitors are capitalizing on digital platforms, and because of this, you must know how to use social media, website listings, online discounts and possibly even webinars to promote your business. 

Unfortunately many business owners think social media marketing is all they should focus on, but the truth is that there are many other promotional activities that you can do to attract more customers, produce more revenue, and become a more successful business. 

Promoting your business is not just part of your launching strategy – it is a continual priority and process that must be reflected in your budget, plans, and broader business goals. The best promotional strategies are customer-driven, ongoing, and planned.

Here are tangible steps you can take to promote your business…

#1: Have a Good Company Name

Don’t choose a name just because it is meaningful to you. Does it make sense for your product and offerings? Will potential customers know what you sell? Is it easy to pronounce and remember? Your name and overall branding must be catchy, memorable and descriptive.

#2: Great Customer Service

Because of the internet and online reviews, every customer you interact with has the power to either help, or hurt your business. Word of mouth continues to be one of the most powerful promotional activities, and by ensuring great customer service, your satisfied customers will naturally let others know about your business and why they should shop with you.  

#3: Ask For Referrals

Many satisfied customers would be happy to help spread the word about your company or products, but they just don’t think about it. By asking your satisfied customers to share the names and numbers of friends or family who may enjoy your product or service, you can naturally expand your market share.  

#4: Maintain Relationships With Customers

Sending birthday messages, personalizing products or services,  remembering past conversations, sending customer appreciation discounts, and letting people know how much you appreciate their business are all ways to drive and maintain customer loyalty. In the long-run, this will improve your reputation amongst the community. 

#5: Partner With Other Businesses

Developing mutually beneficial relationships with other business owners not in the same market as you where they refer their customers to you and you do the same in return can become another source of customers.

#6: Use Printed Promotional Material

Do not underestimate the power of printed marketing material. Flyers, storefront displays, brochures, handouts, and even business cards can have a significant impact on your marketing. Skipping this step may mean missing out on entire segments of potential customers that would not know of your business otherwise.

If you want to learn more about how to start and grow a business, check out our Business StartUp course! 

You will learn how to identify your personal values and strengths and resources, how to choose a solid business idea, how to do market research by using our step by step market research guide, and even how to write a strong business plan. But that’s not it, you will also learn about life/work balance, marketing, brand strategy, time management, goal setting, leadership and financial management. Don’t miss this opportunity! Start today!