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Last Updated on April 5, 2019 by Work In My Pajamas
Are you a small business owner struggling to create a marketing budget?
The average small business spends $400 on marketing. While that may not be a lot to some, to others it’s a lot of money when you’re starting out.
If you’re marketing on a budget, you’re in luck! You can save money marketing while bringing in more business. Check out these nine low-budget marketing ideas for home-based businesses.
In This Post:
1. Utilize Social Media
In 2018, 69% of American adults were on at least one social media platform. That’s a huge number of potential customers at your fingertips every single day.
If social media isn’t your thing, consider outsourcing. Social media managers can help you decide how to develop the best strategy for your business. They will implement your plan and make sure you’re getting the best results possible.
2. Start a Blog
When you’re looking for cheap marketing ideas, starting a blog should be at the top of your list. This could be a blog only or a blog on your website. Either way, you’re not going to want to miss out on this incredible marketing strategy.
A blog is a great way to have all of your information in one place. This is also a good way to bring your audience together in one place. You get to share your voice and story.
A blog is also another way to create income. You can add relevant affiliate marketing and drive more money into your business with your blog.
3. Create Valuable Content
Creating and sharing valuable content is an incredible marketing strategy. Content that helps your audience solve problems is a fantastic way to market your business for free. Create top 10 posts, informational posts, and even videos.
Don’t just leave the content on your blog. Share it everywhere. Share to your social media platforms, email lists, and any Facebook communities that you’re apart of.
Save yourself a ton of time by recycling content. You can use a blog post to create a social media post, infographic, or email. You can turn several posts into an ebook or webinar. Work smart.
4. Write Guest Posts
Guest posting is one of the best marketing tools out there and you’re probably not even using it. It’s also cheap marketing as you don’t have to pay to post. (Some websites charge, so be sure to know the terms prior to writing.)
Reach out to bloggers and websites. Ask them if you could guest post for them. This is a great way to build your reputation and reach a new audience of potential customers.
Make sure it’s okay with them to include a link back to your website to encourage their readers to visit your business.
5. Reach out to the Media
Have you ever considered reaching out to local media? Depending upon your business, this could be a great way to get the word out on your business. All you need to do is write up a press release and contact local media outlets like radio stations and news stations.
6. Network
We’re sure you’ve heard how important network is for business, but have you ever considered it from a marketing standpoint?
- professional and business organizations
- mixers
- trade shows
You can also network to find another business to develop a partnership with. Together, you could put on a joint project or event. This will increase your exposure to people who may not know you yet.
7. Host an Event
A great marketing strategy for small businesses is to host an event. You could host an event at your business, local library, coffee shop, or community center. Depending on your business, you may teach a class.
You could also do a mixer to get to know your community and let them get to know you as well.
8. Create Videos
Videos can be intimidating when you first start creating them, but they’re one of the best marketing ideas for small businesses. Videos create trust with your audience because they get to actually see and hear you as opposed to just reading text that you’ve written.
You can use videos to share knowledge and information. You can also have some fun by letting your audience see who you really are (quirks and all) as well as behind the scenes of your business. Don’t be afraid to let them get to know you.
You can share your videos on your website and social media channels including YouTube. Invite people to share it with their friends and followers as well.
You don’t need a bunch of expensive equipment to create great marketing videos for your business. You can start with good lighting and a smartphone.
9. Email Newsletter
Having an email list should be a non-negotiable for you and your business. Social media platforms crash from time to time, and if you’re depending solely on social media, you could be missing out many opportunities.
Email marketing is a fantastic way to build a relationship with your customers. Use this opportunity to nurture the relationship, build the know/like/trust aspect, and tell them about your products and services. Newsletters are a great low-budget marketing idea.
Which Low-Budget Marketing Ideas Will You Use?
Marketing can be an intimidating part of the business. If you don’t have a large marketing budget, you can still get your business out there with these great low-budget marketing ideas.
Are you ready to start working from home in your pajamas? Be sure to check out my blog for up to date tips and advice for running a small business from home.
