Marketing a New or Small Business on a Budget

There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing as there are companies to market. The big names and multinationals will have an extraordinary amount of funding set aside in which to convey their marketing message to the masses.

The process will involve an inordinate amount of people, multiple marketing agencies, countless 'creativity' meetings and thousands of work-hours. From television adverts to full pages in the newspapers and glossy magazines, brand names and logos jump out at us and are instantly recognisable - such is the power of advertising on an extremely large budget.

Easily missed then in this marketing free-for-all are the smaller or new businesses, after the usually costly process of setting up a business with its requisite equipment, possibly an office or other type of premises, there is usually little or no funds available for marketing or advertising.

From the first trading day of a new business enterprise, the going is tough. It is small wonder therefore that most new businesses do little or nothing about marketing because of what they see as prohibitive costs. There are instances of course where new businesses have originated from someone's hobby or part-time occupation; in these cases, the market is usually already there and forming a company was the next logical step, immediate marketing was obviously not required to generate the first customer.

There are many advertising agencies that say there is no need for small businesses to spend a fortune on marketing. This is totally true, but what money a small business does have to advertise should be spent wisely and not just thrown at an agency that might end up failing to deliver. There are far cheaper and more effective ways to get a business on the map.

A website is essential to any business these days and will certainly be an asset. However, your site will be one amongst many millions of others and will not be of immediate use due to the nature of search engines and the way the Internet works in general; therefore you will need to look to other methods.

One of the most important things to bear in mind is not to run before you can walk.

Start small, start local. Unless you already have contracts from further afield, there is no point in casting nationwide for business when a vast amount is already likely to be on your doorstep.

Depending on what type of business you run, leaflets and flyers to other businesses or homes are a good way to get yourself known.

Always carry a business card with you they are invaluable, you never know when you are going to meet someone who wants printed contact details ? hey presto! - Instant advertising.

If you have access to a computer, join an online business forum. These are an excellent source of information help and advice from people in the same situation as you. Even those in the same line of business as yourself will usually be happy to offer their help ? don't be afraid to take it, you can always return the favour.

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for practical sound advice on any aspect of business. They are there to help and are extremely knowledgeable and friendly people.

Business breakfast clubs are normally held once a week in most towns and cities and are another rich source of information and a great place to make contacts, again, don't forget to take your business cards with you.

The methods I have mentioned are by no means the only ways to market on a budget and have no doubt been written about before, and although they take lots of effort and are very time-consuming, they do produce results.

New and small business owners can often be the most innovative and creative marketers there are. They don't have the huge budgets of the corporate giants; they don't have large teams of creative designers, advertising executives, brainstorming committees, PR agencies or even a tea person! However, enterprising cash-strapped individuals are constantly striving to invent novel and cheaper methods of marketing their businesses, often with varying degrees of success. What must be reiterated though is that marketing and advertising need not cost a fortune, but can still be very effective depending on how you approach it.

John Sheridan is a professional proofreader of hard copy items and website copy. He also writes web copy and occasionally accepts small copy-editing assignments. He can be contacted at: john@textcorrect.co.uk website: http://www.textcorrect.co.uk

This article is the property of the author and may only be reproduced in its original form.

---

The Inside-Out Business Plan? -- Your Small Business Plan in 10 Easy Questions

Writing a business plan for your Solo Entrepreneur business doesn't... Read More

Excuses Franchisees Make; When They Violate Exclusive Territory Agreements

One of the biggest excuses franchisees of home based and... Read More

So You Don?t Believe in Outsourcing

Entrepreneurs are hardy stock. But sometimes hardiness can get you... Read More

The Misconceptions of the Value Of Disclosures in Franchising

Disclosure laws in franchising are suppose to help the consumer.... Read More

Choosing A Business Thats Right For You

Q: I really want to start my own business, but... Read More

Due Dilegence 101 Or What You Do Not Know Can Kill You! - Part 1

Introduction: This article is written as a general discussion on... Read More

A Business Tail: Veterinarian Foams at Mouth, Chases Tail, Learns New Tricks--Case Study

Many self employed professionals find themselves overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused... Read More

Small Business - A Thing Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Badly

A thing worth doing is worth doing badly. Yes I... Read More

Starting is the Hardest Part

You can't imagine how many people ask me how I... Read More

Tell Me a Story: A Simple But Powerful Tool to Build Your Business

Everyone loves a good story. Whether it's the story of... Read More

Using Holidays to Put Some Extra Cheer in Your Cash Box

No matter your age or station in life, we all... Read More

Boston Suburban areas a good choice to run a business

BioTechs even with the latest news had shed over 1000... Read More

Franchise Rule to be Revised; Why?

The FTC, Federal Trade Commission, is considering modifying the franchise... Read More

Public Relations: Antidote for Small Business Failure

When small businesses fail, the wreckage is often assigned to... Read More

Overcoming Your Biggest Competitor

Before you read any further in this article, I'd like... Read More

How to Promote Your Business by Entering Contests

You are probably hard at work promoting your business (and... Read More

Common Sources of Financing for Small Business

The choice of financing is an important determinant of whether... Read More

Business Relationships Defined

What makes a business relationship?What really makes a business relationship?... Read More

The End -- Fireworks or Fizzle?

Seems as though there are a lot of business closings... Read More

How to Protect Yourself & Your Business

As a business owner, you already know how important it... Read More

Mobile Truck Washing, Case Study

Most folks in the pressure washing business are happier to... Read More

Do Your Best; Hire the Rest

One of the hidden perks of raising six children is... Read More

Your Small Business Suggestion Box

A suggestion box is a really good idea for your... Read More

Successful Small Businesses Use PR

It's obvious when a small business has accepted the fact... Read More

Recognizing Employees? Contributions Can Go a Long Way

Every employee would like to earn as high a salary... Read More

Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow

Are you a home or small business owner and you're... Read More

Small Business CRM Is Here To Stay

If you ask most small business owners what priority CRM... Read More

Provide Affordable Health Care To Employees At Little To No Cost To You

You can provide affordable health care plans to your employees.... Read More

Beating the Small Business Cash Flow Blues

Small business owners can relieve a lot of their own... Read More

Shortcuts Will Kill Your Business

Think of your business as a living, breathing, organism. It... Read More

Justice In Action

During the 1980 presidential campaign, candidate Ronald Reagan vowed, if... Read More

Small Business Pricing Strategies

TACTIC #1 -- Never simply slash your prices, unless you're... Read More

Why You Need A Virtual Assistant

How much is your time really worth? Is it worth... Read More