Marketing is essential for any organization, but spending too much on marketing without sufficient return can cause financial problems. Many of the small businesses in the United States have limited marketing funds, according to business marketing expert Robert W. Bly writing on the "Entrepreneur" website. That is why you need to learn about the best low-budget marketing tools that can help your business grow without breaking the bank.
Social Networking
The Internet offers several opportunities for a business to reach a vast audience for free. It takes time and effort to create a network of interested customers through Internet social networking websites, but any revenue generated by free marketing can offer a high ratio of return. Develop networks of people that share interests that are similar to what your company does, and offer members of your social networks pricing specials that are not available to anyone else. This will help to build your social networks and drive revenue.
Informational Websites
There are two kinds of informational websites that you can use for low-budget marketing; blog websites and video hosting websites. Blogging offers a small business owner to get product information, company updates and industry advice out to a wide audience for little to no cost, according to Internet marketing expert Marci Alboher writing on the "New York Times" website. You can become known as an expert in your field, and that can help drive customers and revenue to your business. Be certain you are able to set aside the time each day to create new blogs as one of the requirements of a successful blogging campaign is a constant supply of new content. You can use video-hosting websites to upload product videos and low-budget commercials that can reach a potential audience of millions.
Fliers
Informational fliers are convenient, inexpensive to make and can give your prospects a message that they can take with them. Creating and printing hundreds of single-page paper fliers is significantly cheaper than magazine advertising, and it gives you the chance to talk with your prospects one on one as you hand them a flier. Choose a single message for each flier, and try to distribute as many as possible. Try to include a special offer on your fliers that will cause prospects to act on it when they get it.
Networking
Word of mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing available, and all it requires is your time. Make sure you always have business cards on you, and be prepared to talk about your company at all times. Attend as many community and business events as possible, and offer your services as a public speaker to any gathering that needs an expert in your industry. Create a two-sentence introduction speech that you can give everyone you hand a business card to that will help your prospects remember your business. Give extra business cards to prospects, and encourage them to recommend your business to family and friends. Networking is an ongoing marketing effort, but it can build brand recognition and give prospects a face to associate with your business. For customers that prefer to buy from a personable organization, having a face to associate with a company can be a strong marketing angle.
