Some businesses have the budget to market their products while some do not. If you are someone who does not have the budget to hire someone to advertise your business, there are still ways you can market your products without spending too much. If you have the passion and creativity, you can still attract customers. If you invest time and use the tools available to you, you can still make that sale.
As a small business owner, paying for marketing and advertising is normally not part of the budget. However, there are ways to get customers' attention and the chance for your business to attract more. In this kind of business setup, making an impression will go along a way. Because you are catering to a small number of customers (compared to big companies), you have that chance to give your customers a more personalized experience. You are more likely to face your customers and talk to them compared, say, to CEOs or big company owners.
Here are some tips on how your personal brand can make the sale:
· Make the experience worth it – when a customer looks into your shop or drops by your restaurant, make them feel special. Grab that opportunity of having the time with them by giving them a level of service that will make their visit worth it. If they come by your restaurant and you get their name, call them by it. If they ordered something in your shop, call them to see that they received the package and ask if they are satisfied with it, or if they have any questions about it.
· Something extra – offer your customers a little extra when they shop with you. Together with their order, you can add a little product sample from your shop. Give them a taste of something new. It is one way of introducing other products from your store at the same time, the possibility of getting more orders from them next time.
· Partner with local groups and organizations – partner up with fundraising events in your community. Offer something to those who will participate in the event, give them coupons or a discount when they visit your business. Doing this will give you benefits like brand awareness, getting people to try your business, and a chance to make an impression that will earn you more customers.
· Offer free workshops – host your own event by offering free workshops at your business place. Be creative and teach people how they can use your products. If you are a coffee shop owner, you can host a dessert or drink-making class. If you sell different things in your shop, you can do a workshop on decoration or creative holiday cards. Teach people something that they can use in their daily lives with the help of your product. Doing this in your place of business will give them a chance to look around and buy things that they need after the workshop. For sure they would like to try what they learned once they get home.
· Social media – make use of the internet. Social media sites are a cost-effective way to market your products and services. You can create a Facebook, Google+ or Twitter account under your business name and ask those who visit your shop to add you. If you invest time in these sites and promote, you will soon have a place where you can get in touch and announce the latest on your business. If you have an event, sale, new products, post them on these sites. It is an easy way to reach out to your customers and a place where you can start selling your products.
Another reason why social media sites are great for your business is because it’s become the way that people get their information and news. And, often they’re accessing this information on their phone. They check movie schedules online or browse for restaurants near them. If you can update your customers when you have specials or discounts, you increase your chances of being chosen.
You might only get one chance with a person to convert them into a customer, so make the most out of it. Make a good impression and make them feel that they are receiving their money’s worth. Do follow-ups and assist them in the best way that you can. Find ways to help them. They might not buy your products the first time, but the impression that you leave will surely make them come back. And when you gain customers, make them feel special or important, because it is easier to keep a customer than to find a new one.
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