There are ways to gain exposure for your company without a large-scale a budget to cover the cost of traditional advertising campaigns. In 2017, many American businesses find themselves with smaller budgets and not enough resources to develop and execute their marketing strategies. Businesses are getting back to the basics, and seeing success with traditional (less expensive) marketing techniques. Below I list some simple ways to get exposure for your product or service that won’t put a major dent in your bank account.
1. Utilize Business Directories
Whether offline or online, your business should be listed in business directories. This is a foundational strategy that there is really no excuse to avoid in modern operations. Getting your name in these lists will provide the fundamental information that people will want if they are seeking out your service or product.
Underlying reason: Online directories can get you a backlink to your business website, which is inherently an SEO benefit. They also lead to visibility in internet search. Print directories get you exposure when someone looks in the category of your listing.
2. Take Advantage of Print Media
Although circulations of print publications are undoubtedly dropping as we push into the future, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be used for advertising. For one, as circulation drops, advertising space usually becomes cheaper to draw in clients and keep the ball rolling. Similarly, just because big businesses aren’t using this medium as frequently doesn’t mean it can’t still help your company.
Underlying reason: It will help your business to acquire some space in print media whether it’s a newspaper, magazine or other publication. Even as circulations drop, the audience that still does come in contact will be exposed to your brand.
3. Provide Promotional Items in Public
Handing out promotional giveaways immediately makes the recipients an endorser of your brand. This advertising technique has unique longevity, as the strategy continues working for as long as the product is in circulation. Not only will the direct recipient be reminded of your brand each time they use the product, the item will be seen by others who interact with this person. If someone comes across your logo, you want them to identify with your product or service.
Underlying reason: Imprinted promotional products increase visibility of your brand and have no limit when it comes to potential. The more items your business can get into public, the higher the ROI both short term and long term.
Advertising campaigns can make or break a business. The good news is that using a strategy that incorporates business directories, print media and promotional items won’t break your business. It can only make it. This financially viable approach to branding your company can be a great way to start or maintain your business image.
Frank McCourt graduated with a degree in economics from Boise State University. Since graduation he has worked for a variety of financial firms helping people from all walks of life get out of debt. In his free time, Frank is a big connoisseur of B-rate horror movies.