How to Market a Small Business

Guidelines to Profit During the Recession

Clark
Small business marketing revolves around building relationships within the community and making the company's name available to potential clients. In today's economic crisis, cutting marketing spending has become quite popular. Sustain marketing and advertising budgets as long as possible, but remember these strategies when funds are low. These four steps will help with the brainstorming process on where to spend valuable marketing dollars.

Steps to marketing on a tight budget:

1) Know your demographics

By knowing the company's demographics, clear advertising choices can be made. If there is room for radio or TV ads, make sure to look at the demographic statistics to ensure that money is not wasted on people whose age, race, or gender do not need what your business offers.

2) Utilize free advertising.

Do an Internet search for posting free advertisements and see what you find. There may be local sites that allow businesses to post ads for free. If your potential and current clients use the Internet, this will serve as a good strategy.

3) Form partnerships with other local businesses

Referrals are the best way to build and maintain a reliable client base. Find other local businesses that complement what your company offers. The best way to get clients is through word of mouth. People trust a recommendation more than a flyer. In turn, it is important that your business refers clients to your partners when the opportunity is present.

4) Network, network, network!

There are many clubs and free social groups that representatives from your small business can get involved in to gain clients directly or build partnerships. Always have business cards ready to hand out and be genuine. People can spot an overanxious sales person a mile away.

Important tip:

Successful businesses are in tune with their target market. This means that not only should age, race and gender be considered, but also annual income, education level and a variety of other factors. It depends on the business, but study the company's features to pinpoint the main audience and get the most for your buck.

Published by Clark

I have spent many years in the beauty industry. As a make-up artist and a model, I have been exposed to a wide variety of what is on the market. One of my hobbies is making my own skin and hair care products.  View profile

  • Know your demographics.
  • Utilize free advertising.
  • Network, network, network!
Referrals are the best way to build and maintain a reliable client base.

2 Comments

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  • Thomas J McCabe1/10/2010

    Hi, This is a well - written article that provides some very good tips. I think it is one of the best AC articles that I have read recently. I typed in "Health and Beauty Aids" ?? and I saw your article. The streamlined and concise approach makes the article and advice easy to read and grasp. Having four distinct headers makes it even more interesting and easy to digest. Some of the points I put into effect, but others I often forget about or hadn't really considered. As a fine artist (painter) and writer, I and others can benefit from your article. Especially in this economy. Thanks.

  • Jake Emen8/3/2009

    Great beginner tips.

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