Have you recently purchased a business or starting a new venture? As a new small business owner you want to build upon your business’s existing customer base and find new markets.
Advertising your business is a great way to boost sales and target potential customers. There are a range of advertising strategies, both online and offline, that can be used to expand your business.
Advertising your business does not need to be an expensive endeavour. By following the right advertising practices and using a variety of platforms, you will enhance the promotion of your products and services and advance your market position.
Advertise your business the right way with these 7 tips!
How to Advertise your Business
1. The (Offline) Classics
Sometimes nothing works better than simply handing out flyers on the street, an advertisement in the local paper or placing a notice in the classifieds. This will target customers in your local community, particularly where your business has the advantage of being close by.
However if you are small business, you may not have the funds to promote your goods and services on traditional advertising platforms. You may want to consider low cost, online alternatives.
2. Social media
According to the Sensis Social Media Report for 2016, 48% of small businesses in Australia have a social media presence. Social media allows your business to directly interact with existing and potential customers. There are a diverse range of platforms that your business may use such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
These social media platforms advertise your business directly to people who are most likely to be interested. They do this by tracking what pages people have viewed and liked, and the posts they have clicked on. The traffic your business is generating on social media is measurable too – so you can see the reach of your posts.
3. Publish online
Content is key. Creating a blog for your business can help build your brand. Establishing a blog and producing content on a weekly basis increases the online visibility of your product/service, particularly your ranking on Google.
It is also beneficial to engage with other blogs related to your products or services and industry. Industry specific blogs have strong followings and can be highly influential on their readers, with reviews of a business’s products or services. You may consider offering your product or a free trial of your service for a relevant blog to review. But be warned, an honest and online review can go beyond constructive feedback.
4. Google AdWords
With Google AdWords your business can be seen at the top of a Google search by users searching for the products or services you offer. It allows your business to be in the perfect place at the perfect time. It’s affordable too – as you only pay when people click on the promoted link of your business.
5. Put your business on the map
Advertising can also be strategically subtle if have your business location listed on Google Maps. You can freely list and update your location should your business move, ensuring that your customers aren’t left in the dark. These free business listings are available on Google and Yahoo!. The listings allow customers to offer feedback about your business – by leaving reviews and rating your business.
6. Assist with a local start up event
Meetups is the largest network of local groups in the world. A meet-up allows you to network with other businesses and individuals, categorised by themes relevant to your business. Attending and organising events, or partnering with others can enhance the reputation of your business within your industry. You may also want to sign your business up to be affiliated with a charitable cause. The positive word of mouth your business will receive through these groups will be invaluable in helping grow your brand.
7. Everyone loves a sale
Discounted prices never fail to attract customers. Platforms such as Groupon and Scoopon capitalise on these ‘one time offers’ by providing new customers to your business with a suite of discounts for your products and services. An additional benefit is that your offer is advertised via email, mobile, radio, print and even billboards – mediums your business could possibly not afford to reach on its own.
Final Thoughts
By following these advertising strategies, networking with other businesses and establishing an online presence, you will positively enhance the visibility of your business. This will lead to an increase in sales of your products or services, and the reputation of your business.
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