Trying to put together a solid marketing strategy with a low budget? Sounds too good to be true, I know, but it’s possible with some consistency and creativity. Below, I’ll go over 8 free marketing strategies that you may have overlooked, but that — when implemented correctly — can help you expand your reach.
#1 Market in an Industry Forum
It’s free to share ideas, right? That’s why, whether your marketing budget is limited or not, it’s a great idea to find an industry forum where you can share your knowledge and expertise. As an expert in your field, you can answer questions, which is a win-win because you’re helping others in your niche and boosting brand awareness and credibility for your business.
Caution: this isn’t the place to throw out a sales pitch. That’s a sure-fire way to turn forum readers off. Instead, include your name and a link to your website in your profile signature. That way, if anyone wants to learn more about you, they can do so without feeling pressured.
#2 Ask for Backlinks
If you want to rank high in a Google search, you’re going to have to have solid backlinks to your website. It doesn’t cost a thing to email your service providers and asks them if they’d be willing to link to your website. You can even offer to do the same for them. You can also do a quick search of your brand or company name and see if you are being mentioned anywhere on the web. If you find that other websites have mentioned your business, email their editor and ask them to add a link. Remember, the more backlinks you have, the higher you’re likely to rank on a Google search, so ask and gather as many as you can!
#3 Host a Webinar
Brainstorm topics that will interest a large audience and put together an intriguing webinar that not only informs but makes your audience aware of your brand’s presence in your industry. Then, invite as many people as possible to join. Send out emails and text and post to your social media accounts. Call others in the industry and invite them to join as well. Not only will you expand your audience with a webinar, but you also remind people that you are an expert (a generous one, too!) in your niche.
#4 Cross-Promote With Other Businesses
Ever heard the saying, “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”? Well, that’s the essence of cross-promotion. Think about your go-to businesses. Is there an accountant who you think trumps all the rest? Or a web designer that has done incredible work for you in the past? In exchange for their referral to you, refer to them whenever possible. You’re rewarding stellar service, and so are they, and the customer gets to benefit from the best-of-the-best as well.
#5 Do Interviews
One of the easiest ways to get in touch with someone new is to ask them if you can interview them for your podcast, Youtube channel, or blog. It’s more exposure for them, and it’s an easy foot-in-the-door to new relationships for you!
#6 Set Up a Referral Program
With a solid referral program, you get to let your customers do the heavy lifting. Incentivize them to pass on your business to others who would benefit from your product or service, and watch as your customer base grows.
#7 Socialize on Social
Find industry experts, follow them on social media, and communicate with them daily. Get your name out there and build brand awareness by becoming a consistent voice in your niche. Do the same with your customers and prospects. Reply to their comments, retweet their ideas, and answer their questions. Show yourself to be the expert you are, and socialize instead of trying to push your sales agenda. People will notice your confidence and lend you even more credibility.
#8 Get More Emails
Email marketing is free and effective. That’s why it’s important to try to garner as many email addresses as possible. Trade solid blog content, valuable info, or a free consultation for email addresses, and then group emails into the demographics you’re trying to reach. Avoid sending out mass emails that don’t address a particular group’s needs or concerns. This will surely cause your potential customers to unsubscribe or scroll on past your messages.
Sometimes Hustle > Budget!
As you can see, it IS possible to market your business without spending money. Of course, there are tons of marketing tools out there that will cost money and give you great ROI, but you can also get pretty far with the intentional and consistent free marketing tools that we talked about today. Give them a try today!
