Starting your small business is exciting, scary and can overwhelming. It can also break the bank if you’re not careful. Advertisers in all shapes and sizes will come at you in waves when your doors open. They will all claim to be THE key to your success but in most cases that’s not the case. Back in the day, you could buy a newspaper ad, direct mail piece and TV spot, then call it a day. Now days the list of advertising options for your small business appears to be endless. At Springboard Ad/Design, your Fort Lauderdale advertising agency, we spent a HUGE part of our time keeping up the latest and greatest advertising avenues for our clients. It’s a lot to keep up with. Here’s some good news. There are ways to promote your business without spending a penny. Here are some simple and free ways to advertise your business.
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORIES
A good way to get found is to have a free listing with online directories like Google, Bing and Merchant Circle. Adding a listing to these online directories is easy. The more directories you’re listed on, the more likely you are to be found. Filling out the forms over and over again can be pain, but can be very helpful. Here’s an article that lists the top local directories.
SOCIAL MEDIA
This should be a no brainer for market your new business. Setting up a Facebook page or Twitter account for your business takes very little time, and the payoff can be big. You can easily get the word out about new services, products and specials. In order to build an audience, you need to get the word out. List your social media channels everywhere: email sig, receipts, store windows, etc. There are an increasing number to social media sites out there. Here’s a link to the most popular social media sites. No one has time to do them all. Pick the top two or three that work best for your business.
COMPANY NEWSLETTERS
Many of the large companies that you currently do business with have some form of a newsletter. It could be a in the form of a blog, and email blast or a tradition printed form. It doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re a new business it could include a simple description of your business, yourself and family. Include a special offer or provide free tips. Share your newsletter with family and friends and ask them help spread the word. Businesses you work with (bank, suppliers, etc.) can also help you get the word out.
Mail Chimp is a eblast free service. WordPress is a free blogging service.
A combination of these tips can help make a big difference in the success for your business. Call Springboard Ad/Design at 954-655-8368 if you have any questions about the information provided.