30 Low Budget Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses in 2022

If you want to see your company expand, you’ll need to devote both time and resources to marketing efforts. For businesses at the enterprise level with the financial means to devote to marketing, this is not a problem to face.

These types of firms may even have a whole marketing staff or spend millions of dollars on a third party to launch a campaign, but what if you have a restricted marketing budget and only a few hours per week to devote to promoting your new business? What exactly does this mean? Does it mean you have to wait till you have more money flowing into your business? Without a doubt, this is not the case!

Instead, use these 30 low budget marketing ideas to promote your company without spending a fortune on advertising.

1. Perfect your pitch

You should always be selling your business, whether you’re at a family BBQ, a friend’s wedding, traveling, or watching your kid’s soccer game. Having a captivating elevator pitch is the most effective method to do this.

Given the fact that most people have a limited attention span, this isn’t easy.

“If you’re lucky, you have 90 seconds,” says serial entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec. “If you can’t persuade your audience in that time, you’ve lost the opportunity to make an effect.” Facts and data are vital, but they aren’t the only criterion; you also need to convey in a way that inspires knowledge and trust.”

So, what can you do to improve your elevator pitch? Begin by:

• Understanding your target audience’s motivations.
• Using social proof as a tool.
• Telling a story that demonstrates your knowledge and how you’re competent to handle the challenge your audience is facing.
• Anticipating common audience queries, such as “What is your competitive advantage?”

Related: 10 Marketing Strategies to Help Your Business Grow

2. Get involved with your community

When most people think about marketing, they envision a large-scale nationwide effort. However, there are instances when you should think smaller and look at what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Is it possible for you to sponsor a 5K charity walk or a minor league team? Is there a place where you may volunteer for a charity or a non-profit? Could you put up a block party with other companies in the area? Is it possible to print bookmarks and drop them off at your local library?

3. Ask for referrals

The most efficient and cost-effective strategy to generate new business is through referrals. The issue is that we typically feel self-conscious about asking for referrals. Worse, you don’t want to come across as desperate in your plea.

Thankfully, there are a variety of methods to get a reference without appearing desperate or inappropriate. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Just ask for references directly via email, online, in person, or at the bottom of your bills.
• Instead of asking everyone, focus on your greatest client or consumers.
• Offer a gift card, a percentage off future labor, a little gift, or a charitable donation in their name as an incentive. ”
• Use an email script or a recommend function on your site to make it easy for them to refer others.
• Make recommendations.
• Solicit likes on your Facebook page from your consumers.
• Join a professional networking group or a referral group.

Referrals: 4 Serious Mistakes in Content Marketing You Must Know

4. Join F2F networking groups

Networking is essential. After all, it’s one of the quickest, easiest, and most effective ways to develop genuine business partnerships. Join face-to-face networking groups in your town, such as your local Chamber of Commerce, if you haven’t already.

You may also find future networking events in your region by using applications like Meetup.

Joining business organizations such as Business Networking International, the Young Entrepreneur’s Council, the Entrepreneur’s Organization, or SCORE is also a good idea. Look for industry-specific groups to join as well. There are many more, but the ones listed above are the greatest that I’ve personally experienced.

5. Participate in local business mixers/trade fairs

Most coworking spaces, as well as local groups like the Chamber of Commerce, organize local business mixers on a regular basis. Now that you’ve mastered your pitch, make a note of these upcoming events on your calendar.

Attending any industry trade exhibitions is also a good idea. The Balance has compiled a list of useful hints for putting together an effective trade show display.

6. Apply for business awards

Business awards, such as “Best Restaurant of 2018” or “Best Customer Service,” are widespread in many industries and organizations. Not only will this produce free publicity for your company, but if you win, you will be able to display a badge on your website or storefront to increase your credibility.

7. Target influencers

People buy from people they trust and who they know. As a result, influencer marketing is quickly becoming one of the most widely used marketing methods in the modern world. With so many digital channels at their disposal, influencers can effortlessly promote businesses and services to millions of followers with a single click.

When seeking for influencers, “quality above quantity” is the mantra. Over a huge following, look for high engagement. You should also choose an influencer who is knowledgeable about your sector.

You should give them complimentary products or services in exchange for a product review once you’ve found “your influencer.” This is a widely utilized tactic among YouTube influencers.”

8. Collaborate with other startups

Partnering with a company in your sector is a terrific method to introduce your company to a whole new audience. This can be accomplished through online collaboration via a webinar or offline collaboration via an exclusive event.

If you’re working with a local company, you may simply leave business cards, flyers, or brochures at their office.

9. Go cold calling/emailing

Cold calling and emailing, believe it or not, are still excellent techniques to generate new business, and they don’t cost you anything but time. After all, if you want someone’s business, you’ll have to go out and get it.

Of course, it takes more than just picking up the phone and dialing someone’s number or sending an email. Cold calling is an art form. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience.

• Don’t get caught up in the sale. The goal is to provide you with an opportunity to make your pitch.
• Conduct some market research before contacting someone to ensure that you’re just contacting your target audience.
• Prepare a strong opening statement that contains a greeting, introduction, reference point (something about your prospect), product/service benefits, and a transition to a question or conversation.
• Prepare a script to address any inquiries or concerns people may have about your product or service.
• Make an appointment — you may share your calendar with them so they can see your availability and choose a time that is convenient for them.
• Always greet whoever answers the phone or responds to your email with a smile.
• Send a little, one-of-a-kind promotional item to them.
• On Thursdays, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, it is recommended that you contact them.
• Don’t give up.
• Setting up an appointment may require three or four contacts.

Related: How to get a job in Digital Marketing

10. Work with affiliates and resellers

Work with affiliates and resellers instead of marketing your firm yourself. In exchange for a commission on sales, they’ll generate leads for you. If you go this route, make sure that these fees and commissions are factored into your pricing structure.

11. Offer to speak

You will have numerous opportunities to speak in front of an audience. In reality, presenters are frequently needed at industry conferences, volunteer organizations, local business groups, community institutions, and libraries. As a result, you’ll gain some exposure, contacts, and name recognition.

12. Host an event

Create your own speaking opportunities if none are available. Simply organize an event or a lesson at your neighborhood library, college, or coworking space. Then, create fliers and post them in public places such as the library or a coffee shop.

13. Publish top-notch content

I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but if you don’t already have a blog, stop what you’re doing and get a domain name. This is by far the simplest and most effective method of marketing your company, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

What if you don’t have any writing experience? It makes no difference. People come to you for advise on how to make their lives better. Furthermore, there are tools such as Grammarly that can assist you in enhancing your writing skills.

14. Write for industry publications

Reach out to industry blogs and magazines that accept guest writers, while we’re on the subject of writing. You’re exhibiting your expertise in the same way that you blog. More significantly, it draws attention to you from a bigger audience.

15. Look for ad promo credits

Advertising campaigns can be costly. However, if you look around, you might be able to find coupons or reductions for Google or Facebook ads. Some web hosting companies also provide advertising discount codes to their customers.

16. Re-purpose your content

Do you have any old content lying around? If that’s the case, you can recycle it to give it fresh life. You could, for example, turn a study you completed into an infographic. An eBook might be created from that compilation of blog entries on a specific theme. It’s possible that the podcast you just recorded will be turned into a YouTube video.

17. Offer coupons

Coupons are an excellent way to acquire new clients while also increasing loyalty among existing ones. How many times have you used a coupon to try a new product or a restaurant?

18. Run an online contest

Giveaways and contests are a tried-and-true approach to raise awareness and introduce your company to potential clients.

Your contest or giveaway should ideally include your products or services, such as the opportunity to win a one-year free subscription to your service or a newly released product.

Promote the contest on social media and make sure the winner is announced.

19. Give it away

Offering consumers a free trial of your service or a free sample of your product may seem counterproductive, but don’t be afraid to do so. If customers enjoy what you’re giving, they won’t hesitate to acquire more of your items or services because they were given the opportunity to “try before you buy.”

20. Check your online listings

Hopefully, you’ve already put your company in local search engine directories and made Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles.

If that’s the case, use a tool to ensure that your information, such as your website, business owners, and contact information, is proper and up-to-date.

21. Collect email addresses for newsletters

Email isn’t quite dead yet. It is, in fact, the preferred communication method among customers. As a result, ensure sure your email lists are growing and being nurtured. You can use incentives like eBooks to entice new sign-ups. I recommend MailChimp or Constant Contact as email marketing services.

If you have a blog, you may send out a newsletter to go along with it. To make your subscribers feel special, consider producing an exclusive newsletter with content that differs from your blog.

22. Brand your vehicle

All you have to do now is put a magnetic sign on your vehicle with your company name and contact information on it. You’ll be spreading brand awareness the next time you drive by. Try bumper stickers and window decals if you don’t want to be too noticeable. You can also distribute them to friends, family, and current customers to increase brand recognition.

23. Create awesome business cards

You can make your own customized business cards that stand out at a reasonable price thanks to firms like Vistaprint. This manner, you can give them away everytime you meet someone. You can also drop them off at other establishments.

24. Live stream workplace activities

Between Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Periscope, and YouKnow, there are a lot of options. Live streaming events such as a behind-the-scenes look at a new product, instructional videos, “how it’s made” videos, or live coverage of a local event are all options.

25. Start a podcast

Starting a podcast isn’t expensive; all you need is a microphone and a hosting account. That initial investment, on the other hand, is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, demonstrate your expertise, and humanize your business. Invite other professionals and company owners to join your podcast so they may promote it to their own audiences.

26. Make it personal

If you already have customers, take the time to thank them for their support. This could be done by writing them a handwritten “thank you” note or mentioning them in a video or podcast. This goodwill will be returned when they tell others about how you went out of your way to make them feel like a VIP.

27. Make the most of employee’s email signatures

This is a simple and cost-effective method of promoting your company. Simply add a short line with a call-to-action to your team’s email signatures. Now, anytime they send out an email, potential customers will receive a non-obtrusive marketing message. To book meetings, I like to include a link to my personal calendar.

28. Respond to queries

Take the time to answer questions on platforms like Quora, join HARO, and participate in industry-related online forums. Not only is this an easy and inexpensive way to establish authority, but it may also help you reach an entirely new audience who may have never heard of you or your company before.

29. Take advantage of Instagram and Pinterest

Instagram and Pinterest are both excellent tools for telling your brand’s story graphically. Best of all, it’s free because you can just use your phone’s camera — and maybe spend some time editing and uploading.

What types of photographs should you post? Here are a few ideas:

• Take a behind-the-scenes look at your company.
• Images that portray your items in a positive light.
• Memes.
• Geo-targeting and hashtags.
• Advice in the form of short movies.
• Consider testimonials from current customers.
• Requesting photos of how your consumers use your products or services.

30. Guerrilla marketing

What I like about guerilla marketing is that it emphasizes creativity above money.

You may, for example, obtain permission to spray paint a piece of property, use stencils to make repeated works of street art, distribute stickers throughout the city, or organize a flash mob. Again, the goal is to think outside the box, to be genuine, and to avoid doing anything illegal.