Approximately 13.6% of a company’s total budget is predicted to be invested for marketing purposes.
However, not every company has the luxury of a substantial marketing budget. For them, there is a range of affordable marketing tactics that are cost-effective and highly impactful.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to make the most of your marketing budget, regardless of size.
1. Publish Content, Including Data-Rich Infographics
Infographics are visually appealing and can quickly grab the audience’s attention. They simplify complex data and make it easier for your audience to understand.
Collect accurate and reliable data. Use credible sources and ensure the data supports your message.
Make your infographic easy to share on social media and embed on websites by providing shareable links and HTML codes.
Infographics can have a long shelf life. Update them as new data becomes available, and consider repurposing the content in different formats.
2. Post Useful Content
Useful content attracts new visitors and keeps existing ones coming back. It can help grow your online community. Content can educate customers about your products or services, reducing the need for aggressive sales tactics.
Unlike short-term marketing tactics, content marketing can yield long-term benefits as your library of valuable content grows. Content can facilitate ongoing relationships with customers. Use it to stay connected and provide ongoing value.
3. Explore Key Hashtags
Use relevant hashtags to make your content reach a broader and more targeted audience. Unlike some paid advertising methods, using hashtags is free. It’s a cost-effective way to boost your content’s reach without spending on ads.
Keep an eye on trending hashtags in your industry. Engage with users who use your branded or related hashtags to build a community around your brand.
Hashtags can also help you organize and categorize your own content. This makes it easier for users to find specific information on your social media profiles. Use location-based hashtags to target a local audience.
4. Tag People While Posting On Social Media
Tagging individuals or brands in your posts can increase the visibility of your content. When you tag someone, your post may appear on their profile or feed, exposing it to their followers.
Avoid over-tagging in a single post. Generally, a few relevant tags per post are sufficient. Ensure that the people or brands you tag are relevant to your post. On the other hand, if you tag indiscriminately, it can be seen as spammy behavior.
Keep an eye on your notifications to respond promptly to interactions resulting from your tags.
5. Expand Your Network By Joining Industry Or Networking Events
Attend industry and networking events, and you will greatly experience personal and professional growth.
Industry events bring together professionals, experts, and potential collaborators. This can help you establish valuable connections, find mentors, and discover new opportunities.
Consider contributing to industry events by speaking, presenting, or volunteering. It can enhance your visibility and credibility.
Remember that building meaningful relationships and reaping the benefits of attending industry events often takes time and consistent effort.
Approach events with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in connecting with others in your industry or field.
6. Collaborate With Other Known Industries
Look for reputed companies in your industry or related industries that align with your objectives.
Once you agree on the partnership’s objectives and benefits, formalize the partnership through a written agreement or contract. Seek legal advice when drafting partnership agreements to protect your interests.
7. Be Active On LinkedIn
LinkedIn provides a huge network of professionals from various industries. It’s an ideal platform for connecting with potential mentors, collaborators, clients, and employers.
Post updates, share relevant articles, and comment on others’ posts. Engagement helps you stay visible and fosters connections.
Find and join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests. Maintain a professional tone in your interactions and content. Avoid controversial or unprofessional behavior.
8. Create Attractive Business Cards
Business cards are often the first impression someone has of your business or personal brand.
It is a small but effective marketing tool. It can include key information about your business, services, or personal brand.
Regularly update your business cards to reflect contact information or branding changes.
Get an affordable digital business card that provides your contact information and makes a positive impression.
9. Utilize Email Marketing
It lets you connect directly with your audience, delivering personalized content and messages to engage them effectively.
Plan your email campaigns. Always provide an option for subscribers to opt out of your emails, as spam laws require.
10. Turn Employees Into Brand Ambassadors
Your employees have their networks, both online and offline. They extend your reach to a broader audience by advocating for your brand.
It leverages your existing workforce to amplify your message without the need for substantial advertising budgets.
Use employee advocacy platforms or tools that allow employees to share brand-related content and track their impact.
Recognize and reward employees for their advocacy efforts. This can be done through incentives, bonuses, or acknowledgment in company meetings.
11. Run A Social Media Contest Or Giveaway
Contests and giveaways encourage social media users to interact with your content, leading to higher engagement rates.
Decide on the type of contest or giveaway, such as photo contests, caption contests, trivia quizzes, or random drawings. Show appreciation by thanking participants and acknowledging their contributions.
12. Apply For Business Awards
While some awards have entry fees, many reputable ones do not charge anything. This makes it a cost-effective marketing tactic compared to some paid advertising strategies.
Winning or even being nominated for a reputable business award can instantly boost your business’s credibility and reputation.
Awards help your business stand out from competitors. They show that you excel in specific areas, which can be a compelling customer selling point.
Award ceremonies and announcements often garner media attention. This can result in free publicity for your business, reaching a wider audience than you might with traditional marketing efforts.
The application process itself can generate valuable content for your marketing efforts. You can use the information you gather to create blog posts, press releases, and social media updates.
Conclusion
Remember that marketing is an evolving process that requires patience and persistence, and success often comes from testing, learning, and adapting.
Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks; instead, use them as opportunities to refine your approach and find what works best for your business or goals.
