Five Low or No Cost Ways to Market Your Business

When you don't have a million dollars to get the word out.

A marketing hack, if you will.

I was recently mindlessly scrolling TikTok, as one does, and saw a video where a couple of guys used IKEA’s room setups as backdrops for a product photoshoot. The results looked really nice and professional! 

This reminded me that you don’t have to have a million dollars to drop on a Superbowl commercial to make an impact in your business, and it got me thinking about other ways we can stretch our marketing budgets during slow seasons.

Here are 5 low or no-cost ideas to help you bring in clients and stay in the black:

1. Keeping up with your social media and content creation is crucial

Social media is your FREE digital storefront! When potential clients check your Instagram page for example, they should see consistent, valuable content that builds trust and credibility. Imagine stumbling upon a page that hasn’t been updated in a year—you'd be a little skeptical, right? Keep it fresh and engaging.

2. Social media platforms are rented land. Explore other channels

Remember when Instagram crashed for a day? Anyone who only had Instagram to promote their business was freaking out. Your website and email list? You actually own them. Keep your website updated with blog posts and valuable freebies to capture emails. Oh, and try not to let your email list go cold. Regularly send out useful, engaging content to keep your audience warm and ready to convert when the time is right (if it does go cold, that’s okay, just get back on the horse!).

3. Think local and personal

Visit new local businesses, drop off your business cards, and have a chat. Farmers markets are good for potential clients because they're full of small business owners who could use your services. In-person interactions are more effective than cold calling, and leave lasting impressions over an email that will most likely end up in spam. Join local networking groups and go to their events (yep, you actually have to show up 🙃).

4. Don’t be afraid to take on a side hustle if business is slow

DoorDash, Instacart, dog sitting—whatever helps you make ends meet without shutting down your business dreams. It’s okay to do what you need to support yourself and your family, and it's a smart way to keep your business afloat during tough times! Aren't we lucky to have so many flexible opportunities to choose from?

5. If you need to spend a little something, consider low-cost paid ads

Social media ads are more affordable than Google ads or a billboard. Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram ads can be highly effective and targeted without breaking the bank.

There you have it: 5 low cost ways to market your business without spending many resources. And remember, slow seasons are temporary. With a little creativity and hustle, I know you’ll come out stronger on the other side. 💪

TLDR: From boots-on-the-ground, in-person conversations to simple Facebook ads, I’m sharing five low or no cost ways to market your business when things are slow. 

As always, I am here to make owning a business that much easier! From website design, branding, graphics + photography, to social media - I am your girl! Let's connect!