A new business depends on reputation and spreading the word to get off the ground.

When you start a new business, your first focus should be on advertising and social media.

In the age of the internet, social media is a great way to put your business out there quickly. However, it cannot be your only source of marketing. So what should you do, especially if you’re on a budget?

Here are a few ways to put your business on the map.

How to Promote Your Business on a Budget

1. Consult Ad Agencies

The most effective way to market your business would be to hire an advertising agency. They exist everywhere online and in physical locations. 

Advertising agencies can cover a lot of ground and have thorough experience with online marketing, too. They can offer plenty of advice and options for advertising, and they can do it all for you, also.

2. Referral Promotions

People love to receive rewards for their work. If you want to increase your “word of mouth” coverage, consider running a referral program.

Current customers can recommend your business to others, and both parties receive a discount or some other reward in return.

It doesn’t have to be a significant discount, either – to most people, any money saved is a good thing. It won’t cost you much in the long run, and people will be talking about your business.

3. Social Media

Like we said in the beginning, social media is a great way to spread the word. It just shouldn’t be your ONLY source of marketing.

By engaging consumers on these platforms, you may encourage additional sales and leads. Using websites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are great ways to engage with current and potential customers. It’s also an excellent way to post about new items, sales, or to explain your business.

Millions of people access these sites every day, so use that to your advantage.

4. Create Digital Media

Videos, banners, and graphics are all great, typically low budget methods of advertising.

If you create something that catches the attention of readers without being obnoxious, they are more likely to visit your website or business.

Consider color psychology and fonts when you’re making your media, too. You would be surprised how helpful things like a quality logo and a catchy tune can be for your overall marketing. Make something people will want to look at!

5. Print Advertising

While the internet is the easiest and quickest way to get the news out about your business, there’s nothing wrong with some traditional advertisements.

Some people appreciate the creativity and effort of creating print ads in papers or on posters. If you have an artist on your team, work closely with them to come up with something that represents your brand, and looks appealing.

If you don’t have a dedicated creative team, then consider bringing in a freelance artist to make sure you have high-quality print ads.

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6. Use Google My Business & SEO Strategies

Google My Business is a great way to integrate your company or services into the world’s largest and most used search engine.

Even if you don’t use the google program specifically, be sure to look into SEO. You can do it yourself or use one of the agencies mentioned before to help you strategize.

The best way to boost your ranking and sales is by using SEO to your advantage. Search engine optimization is just as important to marketing as other campaigns. Without adhering to SEO practices, your competition could be easily taking customers who could have spent money with your business.

This happens when a person searching for your products doesn’t see your website because it’s being buried in the result pages.

Since the competition for online sales is so great, this is an important factor to consider if you want to be successful.

7. Email Marketing

Email marketing continues to be one of the most cost-efficient forms of engaging consumers.

This is because there is usually no real expense in order to send off the message to prospective customers.

When you generate a list of those who have purchased products in the past or have shown interest in your goods, email marketing campaigns can be quite effective for enhancing sales.

8. Affiliate Programs

Many operators of eCommerce sites will institute an affiliate program to boost sales and expand the reach of marketing.

These are programs where you pay other website owners a commission of the sales they help you generate.

Essentially, you’re paying all of these individuals to market your products to their visitors for you. This can be extremely beneficial as you could reach a wider audience that may not know your company exists, so make sure you integrate this business model with blogging.

9. Coupon Codes

Everyone loves the idea of saving money on products or services. This is why many business owners will utilize coupon codes within pay-per-click advertising campaigns.

By giving customers a percentage off of sales, you’re giving them a financial reason to shop at your website or online store.

These codes can also be effective in emails, newsletters, social media posts and more in order to engage more serious consumers.

The Internet is a tool that can help you reach a large audience for your products and services. Even local sales can be improved as more people turn to search engines rather than the traditional phone book.

With the right marketing software, you could increase your exposure to those who are more likely to buy your goods. It all starts with the tools within your online shopping cart software. Give your business the best chances for survival by implementing every online marketing platform available.