Many small business owners are told that their business won’t survive without a social media presence. However, social media can make as many problems as it solves. For one thing, running social media accounts for a business isn’t the same as your personal accounts. You need to have a plan and a strategy for the best way to manage social media. It can also be difficult for some small business owners to find the time to properly manage their social media, or even understand why they need to, or how to do it properly. This is why some small business owners wonder if they need to even have social media in the first place. The answer is not really. There are other ways to promote your business that don’t involve social media.
Posters, Flyers And Business Cards
Posters, flyers and business cards are some of the oldest forms of marketing but they’re still relevant even today. An eye-catching poster can make all the difference if you put it up in the right area. You’ll need to do some research and find out the kinds of places your potential customers, and target markets spend time. You can ask other local businesses if they would put your flyers and business cards on display in their stores, and you can do the same for them. You can put your posters up on your own doors and windows as well, as it can help you let people know who you are and what you do.
You can design your own promotional materials using free online resources. You should be sure that your posters, flyers and even your business cards are attractive, appealing, and fit in with your overall brand.
Talk To People Face To Face
Nobody knows your business as you do, and nobody will be as passionate about it as you are. Every time you have the opportunity to talk to people face to face about your business, take it. Talk to people about what you do, and what makes you good at it. Look for signs of interest, and watch out for opportunities to give them your business card, or flyers. Equally, if you’re talking to another business owner and they have advice, or services that you are weak on, listen to them and learn from them.
Offer Your Customers Referral Incentives
Word of mouth is extremely important for small business owners. A recommendation can go a long way to gaining more business, and with word of mouth recommendations, new customers already feel that you are a trustworthy business. However, even if customers love your business, they may not discuss your services or products with other people. If you offer them an incentive to refer others to you, then they will remember, and will make the effort to talk to other people about you.
Go To Trade Shows
Almost every industry has trade shows, so make sure you find out where the best ones are, and make sure that you go. It’s a great opportunity to meet others in your industry, and make an impression. You’ll also be able to see any new technologies, advances, or changes in person, and assess if they would serve your customers. You don’t have to take a booth at a show to see some results from it. Even going as an attendee can make all the difference.
Free Items With Your Branding
Branded freebies are a wonderful way of keeping your business in your customers’ minds. Many companies give away branded pens, because every time the customer uses it, they see the business name, and contact information. It’s a useable business card. You don’t have to limit yourself to pens, as so many other things can be personalized with your branding. However, you should try to give out items that your customers will use regularly, or items that fit within your business ethos and industry.
