With competition for business being fierce, businesses of all types, sizes and purposes find themselves searching for ways to promote themselves in creative and effective ways. When a business decides to invest in marketing and promotional activities, they want to maximise the value of their dollar and see the promotional activities translate to results.
Of course, every business wants to expand its customer base and constantly reach new markets. Very often, a business that is experiencing some financial hardship or is only just starting up, will actively look for ways to successfully and profitably promote itself. Here we look at five of these ways:
1: Provide promotional bags
Promotional bags, in the form of reusable shopping bags, are a great promotional tool because they are highly sought after and are practical and useful. Promotional bags, sometimes referred to as ‘green bags’ can be made from a variety of materials and, as such, calico bags, jute bags, tote bags and eco bags, are renowned for being stylish and attractive as well as strong and durable.
The thing about reusable bags is that we all have a need for them. We know that reusable bags effectively fulfil a range of purposes that we need them to and, because they are designed for use and reuse, they limit environmental impact and harm.
2: Invest in your website
In this day and age, having a reliable, informative and well structured website is imperative to the success of your business. No longer do people so often refer to the yellow pages or paper advertising; instead, people expect your business to have an online presence and for your website to provide them with the information that they need.
3: Use social media
It does not cost you anything to set up a page for your business on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. A good description, strong keywords and a link to your business’ website should be featured on your page, but you need to do more than this!
Look elsewhere on such social media sites for places where people are discussing matters and issues that relate to your business. You need to contribute to such exchanges and ensure that your business is named and recommended – this is a contemporary but often very effective way to enhance your business’ profile and brand.
4: Set up a free listing
Local directories for search engines provide the opportunity for local businesses to be listed…and often this can be done free of charge. When you are setting up and coordinating such listings, be mindful that your website link, together with a description of your business, is prominently featured.
5: Emphasise something unique, different or specialised about your business
To set your business apart from all others, and particularly your competitors, you need to have a point of difference. It is a great idea to identify this and, via press release, advise local newspapers, radio stations, television stations and magazines who have audiences that are likely to be interested in what your business does, sells or provides.
In order to successfully and effectively promote your business, high impact strategies do not necessarily have to cost exorbitant amounts. Savvy business owners will find that there are ways to promote their products and services that do not necessarily cost a lot, but translate to value.