Starting a new business is an exciting endeavor but it can be discouraging when customers come in slower than you anticipated. It can be hard to stand out amongst established competitors. That said, there is no need to be discouraged if your business is the new kid on the block. Here are eight ways to promote your new business that will bring good results for a minimal investment.
1. Put Up Posters
Digital marketing may be king but print marketing is not dead yet. If your new business could benefit from local traffic, you should consider print marketing. However, be smart when you do so. Instead of wasting money on hundreds of flyers and handing them out to random people, identify a few key places that are frequented by your target audience. Then, ask the management if you can put up a poster. Places such as grocery stores or community halls often have bulletin boards for this specific purpose.
2. Participate in Local Events
A great way to gain exposure for your new business is to participate in events. You can take up a booth at a community festival or volunteer your services at a charity fundraiser. By getting involved in the community, you will meet more people and connect with possible prospects for your business. Many people prefer to support small, local businesses, so make sure they know about your brand. If you sell consumable products, consider having samples ready to introduce to the crowd.
 3. Give a Presentation
Giving a talk or presentation helps you to connect with your target audience and establishes your business as a voice of authority in your field. You can host presentations at popular community spaces or publish webinars and podcasts online. Although you will offer your expertise for free during these presentations, you will be rewarded with customers. Furthermore, you will gain the contact details of those who are interested but not yet committed, so you can add them to your mailing list and try to convert them later.
 4. Set Up a Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a robust free tool that allows business owners to manage their location on Google Maps. With so many smartphone users using Google Maps to find products and services near them, a Google Business Profile account is a must. It takes minutes to set up an account and add the location of your new business to the map. Once your location is added, you will be able to add photographs and further information about your business to help customers find you.
 5. Build a Website
With millions of users using search engines to research their purchases, your business cannot do without a website. Platforms such as WordPress and Wix and its alternatives can help you to build a basic website for free. However, to appear more professional, you can upgrade to a paid account and register a business domain name for about a hundred dollars a year. A website will help you to inform prospects about your key products and services as well as allow your brand to appear on search engine result pages.
 6. Use Social Media
Social media use is prolific and many users are now shopping directly on their social media channels. To reach a larger audience, your brand should maintain social media accounts on at least Facebook and Instagram. Once you have these accounts, be sure to post interesting and informative content. Engage with your followers and use hashtags to increase your reach. If you are unsure of how to go about marketing on social media, consider taking one of these free digital marketing courses to improve your knowledge.
 7. Offer Promotions
Everybody loves a good deal. Promotions or discount coupons are a fantastic way to amplify your brand. A clever way of using a promotion to increase leads is to offer a referral bonus to customers who introduce their friends to your store. This gives them an incentive to recommend your brand. You can also offer a discount to new visitors to convince them to make their first purchase. Use loyalty cards and subscriber sales to encourage your existing clientele to keep visiting.
 8. Partner With Other Businesses
Strategic business partnerships bring advantages to all parties. The businesses gain access to a larger number of leads while the customers easily find products or services that are relevant to their interests. Find a business or two in a different field that may share a common audience with you and work out a mutually-beneficial partnership. For instance, if you sell fresh juice, you could partner with a gym or a grocery store to promote each other’s products or even host an event together.
 It can be hard for a new business to get a foothold. However, there is no need to spend large sums of money that you do not have on marketing and advertising. By getting involved in the community, learning more about digital marketing, and making smart connections, you can increase awareness of your brand and improve the reach and profitability of your business.
