How to Grow a Small Business, by Russell Evans, Print-Tech
One of the biggest challenges that companies face is figuring out how to grow a small business without breaking the bank. Here are some cost-effective ideas.
• Social Media: Having your business on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or some other social media outlet, is a great way to introduce your company to potential customers, promote your products and services, stay in touch with current customers, and ultimately to grow a small business.
• E-Mail Marketing: Today’s smartphones have made e-mailing an important way for companies to communicate with customers. Create an e-mail marketing list and stay in touch with your customers as well as reach out to prospects.
• Be the Problem-Solver: Everyone loves a problem-solver! Helping to find solutions to problems goes a long way in keeping current clients loyal to you and setting yourself apart from the competition for prospective customers.
• The Personal Touch: Take the time to get to know your customers and their business. They will appreciate the care you show and remember you for their next project. They will also be more apt to refer your business to others. And we all know how important referrals are to grow a small business! • The Right Employees: The math is simple. Great employees will help you grow your business and contribute to its success. The wrong employee for the job will just cost you money.
• Go Out and Meet People: Networking is a great and inexpensive way to grow a small business by meeting people in your community, sharing ideas with other business owners, getting referrals, and gaining new clients.
• Learn from Your Competition: Check out your competitors to gain insight and ideas on what works and what doesn’t work.
• Signage: For retail businesses, outdoor advertising is a smart way to attract local business. Hanging a banner outside or placing graphics in windows are easy ways to draw potential customers inside.
Free Stuff: Promotional products can be one of your most powerful marketing tools. People like to get them and they tend to keep them. They remind people of your business every time they are used. Choose promotional items that are useful and have a long shelf-life. Personalize them with your company name, logo, phone number, and website. But make sure the info is large enough to be easily read.
• Affordable Marketing: Every-Door-Direct-Mail (EDDM) is an affordable way to market to your customers and prospects. With EDDM, you do not need to buy an expensive mailing list. You can target Business-to-Business or Business-to- Consumer by just choosing the zip code and carrier route you want. EDDM is one of the most cost-effective ways to grow a small business.
Written by: Russell Evans, Print-Tech