1. Get Social: Set up a Facebook Page for Your Business
It’s completely free to set up both a Facebook account and a page for your business. If you already have a lot of friends on Facebook, it’s just a few clicks to ask them to ‘Like’ your new page. This means your new page can be viewed by their friends too, significantly increasing your reach in just a few hours.
To make your Facebook page interesting and worthwhile for people to visit, add some videos, images, or general advice about what you are offering. Even better, include a discount voucher for new customers so you can measure how effective your page is.
2. Blogging: Give Advice, Get New Customers
A blog is essentially a series of user-generated articles that supplement the main pages of your website. Search engines like Google love blogs, and if properly constructed, you can easily achieve great levels of relevant traffic for free. In fact, the page you’re reading is actually a blog post, helping to introduce a steady flow of new clients for our business – for free.
If your website doesn’t support blog posts, it might be time to think about getting a new one. You can check out our deal for small business websites with integrated blogging here.
The key to a successful blog is great content. Offering free advice in your area of expertise increases your credibility and attracts people who have a problem that needs solving. For example, if you own a catering company, you could post ideas for low-cost buffets or wedding menus. Be sure to include local keywords to improve your blog’s relevance for local searches. End each post with a strong call to action, your contact number, and an invitation for people to contact you for more advice.
3. Email Your Friends: Get Busy with Some Free Viral Marketing
People love to share interesting and useful content by email, known as viral marketing. If you’ve ever received an amusing or interesting video, you probably forward it to everyone in your contacts. This method of marketing can be extremely powerful if you get the right message.
Find some good content on the web relevant to your business. For example, if you own a plumbing company, search YouTube for ‘plumbing disasters’. You’ll find loads of amusing videos that provide great content for your viral email. Add a message like ‘Avoid Cowboy Plumbers – Use ABC Plumbers’, include your contact details, and hit send. You can also use images, stories, jokes, or any content likely to be forwarded by your contacts.
4. Find A Forum: Laser-target Potential Customers
A forum is a community of people on the web who share a common interest. Find 4-5 forums related to your service or product. Ensure you can service the people who visit the forum – there’s no point in joining a forum for gardening tips if they’re based on the other side of the world.
Once you’ve joined relevant forums, start posting messages that offer good advice – don’t start selling your products or services immediately, or you’ll be kicked off. Build up your credibility by offering good advice for free. After a few weeks, you can start mentioning your services or website. You’ll quickly build up a following of loyal followers who will become loyal customers.
5. Anti-Social Networking: Make New Contacts From your Sofa
Networking is a recognised method of making useful business contacts locally, but it’s time-consuming and often requires membership fees. Instead, join an online networking group like LinkedIn. You can join for free and add contacts by searching for their name or business. It works like Facebook – if you have 20 contacts, their network will also be accessible to you. You can quickly build up a network of potential customers without leaving home.
6. Bumper Broadcasting: Get New Customers whilst Stuck in Traffic
If you use a car or van for your business and have a website, here’s a great way to ensure your company gets tons of free exposure every day. Have a local sign writer put a small sign in the back window of your vehicle, such as ‘Free advice on [your service/product] – Visit www.yoursite.com’. This should cost very little.
Think about how many people will see this sign whenever you’re out and about. Make sure your website address is easy to remember. At some point, somebody driving behind you will either be interested in your products or services or know somebody who is. Remember your road manners if you try this!
7. Lateral Ebaying: Ebay isn’t just for Selling Unwanted Stuff
If you’ve bought or sold something on eBay, you know it’s not just for second-hand items. Even if you don’t offer a tangible product, you can advertise localised services on eBay. If you don’t retail products, brainstorm with your team to think of some relevant products you could offer. For example, a catering company might offer catering supplies or equipment hire on eBay.
Spend some time researching different sections on eBay to find inspiration. You’ll soon discover opportunities to advertise your services or products.
If you need more help or advice, we offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your specific requirements and how you can gain new customers today. Call us on 01252 416 222 or complete the form on our contact page – there’s no obligation to use any of our services, just honest, helpful advice.