Starting a new business is never easy, especially when you are working with a limited budget. One of the best ways to attract customers is through advertising. This can be hard to do when you are just starting out. In some cases, business development for women begins in a small home setting while they gradually become small business entrepreneurs. Following are some tips that can help you to reach your target market without digging into all your savings.
1. Message board advertising
You can advertise your business by posting flyers on community bulletin boards. This is a cheap way to reach a wide local audience. The boards are easily accessible and depending on the quality of the printing, you can get the message out for next to nothing. You can also use digital boards to take your message to a wider audience.
2. Press release
You can contact local media outlets in your area, to get important publicity. These outlets are often willing to share information that they consider newsworthy in their area. This will usually work best if you offer a new service or choose a business that is unique. They might not be willing to cover a business that is already saturated in the area. A press release will cost you nothing and yet you can reach a wide audience.
3. Business cards
The first thing you should do when you launch your new business is to print business cards. The cards are relatively cheap to print and yet they come in very handy because you place them in the hands of your potential customers during different events. Look for printing services that will offer good quality cards and make sure that you choose a design that will attract customers to your business.
4. Branded T-shirt
You can wear a branded T-shirt any time you go out on a job. This will attract attention as people notice your business name, whether you are in a coffee shop or when out shopping. If someone requires certain services and they see you in your T-shirt, it can prompt them to talk to you about your business. You can get job offers as you go about your daily tasks, or even at a ball game.
It is possible to advertise on a budget but you need to be creative. Using several methods will help you to reach more people successfully. You can also use your family and friends to spread the word and talk to people they know, as word of mouth still remains the most effective marketing tool.