8 Tips to Market Your Small Business on the Cheap

8 Tips to Market Your Small Business on the Cheap

It is no secret small businesses have to do more with less. But how do you get your name out there, build your brand and bring more customers to your business on a tight budget? It takes both working harder and working smarter. Here are a few ideas.

  1. Offer referral incentives. You obviously have a list of customers and likely some pretty good ones. Put these champions to work for you by offering them some sort of incentive for referring their friends and relatives to do business with you. Incentives could be cash, gift cards, or even an entry into a drawing for a more significant prize. Try to design an ongoing program that you can maintain month after month.
  2. Get involved. The more things you can participate in, the larger your network will be. Join a civic club, volunteer for a non-profit or become a part of a fund-raising effort. Make sure you wear a golf shirt with your logo when possible.
  3. Start collecting emails. Emails are an extremely cost-effective way to promote your business. It starts by collecting email addresses from prospects by offering a discount or an entry into a drawing for individuals who are willing to provide their email addresses.
  4. Offer free expert advice. Make yourself available to speak in front of civic or senior groups. Write pertinent and timely articles for your local newspaper. Create a blog that you post on your website and promote on social media.
  5. Post your business card. Many places where people gather offer bulletin board space where you may be able to post your business card or cards. These places may include diners, grocery stores, coin operated laundry mats and more.
  6. Trade services for promotion and visibility. Depending on the products or services you offer, you may be able to barter those services for advertising and exposure. Can you offer $1,000 worth of home improvements to a local radio station for an on-air promotion? A $500 gift certificate to give away through the local newspaper’s website? Media often has unsold inventory they may be willing to barter for.
  7. Ask for help from friends and family. Don’t assume everyone thinks about you all the time. Take a few friends out for lunch and let them know you are undertaking a campaign to expand your business and could use their help. Perhaps offer an incentive or discounts. Most people are willing to help promote you when asked. Have business cards and/or pamphlets printed.
  8. Talk with other small businesses. Find out methods they found effective. You may even be able to team up with them!

Of course, you’ll want to set goals and track your efforts.

Do you have appropriate business insurance for your small company? Are you protected for liability claims, theft, vandalism and loss of income? We can help. Contact us for an insurance review and price quote. Our independent agents will go to work to find you coverage you can afford. Contact us today.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?

Neighborly Nightmare: Tree Trouble and Your Homeowner’s Insurance

From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads

A Look Back, and a Look Forward

Don’t Be a Sitting Duck: Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Don’t Leave Your Data Unlocked: Cybersecurity isn’t just about online threats.

Beyond “My Beloved Spouse”: A Guide to Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary

The Beneficiary Bunch: Understanding Your Options

Rental Car Roulette: Should You Spin the Wheel on Extra Insurance?

Should You Spin the Wheel on Extra Insurance?

Bundling Up Your Homeowners Insurance: A Money-Saving Masterclass (or Myth?)

So, Should You Bundle? The Million-Dollar Question…

Bringing Home Baby: A Guide to Navigating the Joyful Chaos

Beyond the Bump: Embracing the Joys and Challenges of First-Time Parenthood

See It All, Secure It All: The Hidden Benefits of Video Surveillance for Your Business

Beyond Security Cameras: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Video Surveillance for Businesses

Life on the Edge? How Your Hobbies Can Affect Your Life Insurance Rates

Beyond the Premium: Unveiling the Unexpected Links Between Hobbies and Life Insurance

The Costly Consequences of a DUI: Beyond the Backlash

Behind the Bars, Behind the Wheel: The Shocking Price Tag of a DUI