Flickr:alanclever_2000 (Creative Commons)

Let’s keep it real. No matter how big the idea, the truth is that small businesses have small budgets. Not everyone can afford to rent a billboard in Times Square or buy a prime time ad during the Super Bowl. But don’t worry. There are plenty of creative, low-cost marketing ideas that can still help to grow and expand your business. Below are 7 creative marketing ideas for small businesses that are cost effective and… well, effective!

Shoot a Video

All you need is a flip cam or digital camera. Producing a piece of video content is a great way to promote your product or service – but be careful not to make it too much of an advertisement. The video should be helpful and informative in nature. The key is to make viewers want to share it. In addition to attracting new customers outside of your existing network of contacts, your video may even go viral on YouTube!

Offer a Contest

Contests and promotions are easy ways to drive people to your website and create a buzz around your product or service. Who doesn’t like to win a free prize? It’s also a way to generate leads and build your customer base. Check out this creative Retweet Contest – a basic, yet effective way to engage with your current customers and attract new business.

Sponsor an Event

Sponsoring a local or charity event is a way to build goodwill in your community and associate your business with a recognized event that attracts your target audience. Even if you don’t have cash to donate, offering your product/service or volunteering during the event is great for publicity.

Partner

Join your local Chamber of Commerce and network with other small businesses. Consider working on a promotion together with another small business whose product/service is complimentary to yours. There is strength in numbers.

Start a Blog/Newsletter

A blog or a newsletter is a great way to offer free information to your audience and position yourself as an expert in your industry. You can quickly build awareness for your business online. Like a video, your blog or newsletter should be informational in nature and positioned from the reader’s point of view. Your small business can become a big resource!

Be Visible

Create a listing on Google Local so that your business can be found in your local area. Join social sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Claim your business on Facebook Places.

According to a recent article on gaebler.com (Resoures for Entrepreneurs), Facebook is still the most popular social media site for small business. This makes perfect sense when you find out that Facebook averaged almost 8 new registrations per second in 2010 (yes, per second – that wasn’t a typo). And best of all, it’s free!

Go Mobile

Considering that the vast majority of Americans use cell phones, engaging customers through mobile marketing can be a smart way for small business owners to market their product/service. Of course, there are pros and cons to this and I’d suggest reading the following article: Is mobile marketing right for your small business?

There are plenty of other creative marketing ideas for small businesses that don’t have to break the bank. Can you think of any others?

Filed under: Small Business, Tips and Tricks by Stacey Acevero