Most small business owners have a hard time spending on marketing – I can see why, it’s very easy to think that with a limited budget, you can’t do much when you see how the big spenders play -. I’m not going to play smart and say this is not true, because I’m guilty as charged of not investing enough in marketing, but still there are some things you could do without breaking the bank.
I actually did have a debate with a colleague recently regarding wearing Embroidered shirts at a conference, and while she thought differently I really believe a shirt with your logo is an easy way of branding and marketing a small business. Look at this black shirt – classy and casual in the same time, what could be wrong in placing a small logo on it?
First of all, it would be much easier for people to see what company are you from, and it should prove your attention to marketing a bit. It doesn’t necessarily say that I would do great business with you, but it’s so cheap to do it!
Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive at all. You don’t need to be a walking billboard – but you do need to be an engaging person, asking people you meet about themselves and their business. The better the dialog (and follow-up), the more likely people will begin to trust you, and eventually do business with you.
Also, figure out the lifetime value of a new customer, and budget accordingly. For example, a client worth $100,000 deserves a different marketing strategy than a client worth $100.