Small Business Advertising Ideas
How to Advertise a Smaller Company with a Tight Budget
Dec 21, 2007
Advertising is often the key to business growth, and for a small business, marketing decisions can be especially important.
Often self-employed people with growing companies feel stuck when it comes to thinking up advertising ideas that won't break the bank. Other small businesses may need that extra push that takes them to the next level of growth and profit. Whatever the reason, it is important to have a good marketing plan and follow-through to increase sales or awareness of a company.
Important Decisions for an Overall Small Business Advertising Plan
- Pick a color theme and perhaps a logo. Stick to the same colors and designs to help create product and company recognition (see VistaPrint below to order matching and coordinating products).
- Have a separate business phone line, preferably two. When advertising works, clients need to get ahold of the company on the first try. First impressions in business are everything. There is often no second chance. It is uncomfortable for customers to hear a "hello" when they expect a business name answer.
- If the business has a storefront, quality signs are very important. Ask a sign making company for their input on which colors are seen most easily and what type styles are most legible from the street.
- Brainstorm the feeling the business should give off. Is the business serious, fun, technological, casual, Trump quality or ?? Create a marketing plan that reflects this image.
Low Cost Ideas for Marketing a Small Business
- VistaPrint is an online printing site that offers business cards, postcards, brochures, announcements, stationery, calendars and calendar magnets, sticky notes, note cards, rubber stamps, t-shirts, pens, and more. Their products are of high quality. Vista Print offers excellent deals on small orders for start-up or expanding business and will continue to e-mail special offers throughout the year. They have thousands of stock designs to which can be added custom type to suit any business. This company is well organized, on the ball, and ships neat packages on time.
- PR is basically free marketing. PR, or Public Relations, involves getting media interested in what the company is doing. Have a new product? Giving to charity? Holding a community event? All these are possibilities for putting out a press release to local media. Simply type up a brief description of the news and title it with "Press Release." Fax it over and the media may pick up on the story. Be prepared to answer questions and perhaps provide or pose for photos. PR brings free exposure to your business.
- What is appropriate for your type of business? A cookie company might like to hold an open house and tasting party, with products for sale. A real-estate or service company may do well with fliers put up on community bulletin boards. A cleaning business might work best by distributing discount coupons. Newspaper ads may also be helpful.
With a little thought and effort, a business can grow through consistent advertising, a marketing plan, and some word-of-mouth. Try these tips and ideas to watch any small business begin to hit new heights.
If applicable, also see Start a Cool Coffee House Business, Get a Pay Raise or Job Promotion: Earn More Money with Easy Behavior Changes & Habits.
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