Manizesto

Part One of a Three Part Series

Can’t afford to have an ad agency on retainer for $10,000 per month? Don’t let that deter you from marketing your small business. The truth is, marketing can take many forms, and that means that even the most frugal small business owner can tell the world they exist.

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing fifteen innovative way to market your small business for $50 or less. Here are the first five:

1. Host a hilarious contest. Come up with a fun, different contest that relates to your business. A clothing company could hold a contest to see how many layers of clothes contestants put on in 10 minutes; an ice cream shop could have a “Brain Freeze Out” ice cream eating contest; a law firm could hold a “Funniest legal warning” contest. Be creative with it.

Invite local media and give any proceeds to a local charity. Your only cost will be whatever you use for your contest, but you’ll get a lot of publicity for it.

2. Write an article or participate in a webinar. Here is a free marketing tactic. All you need to do is find a newsletter, magazine or webinar you want to participate in and offer the editor/organizer your expertise. You’ll want to have some specific ideas in mind before approaching anyone, but getting published or being presented as an expert will give both you and your small business credibility and exposure.

3. Start an annual award. There’s no rule that says only big, established companies can create and give away awards. You can do it too. A good award will recognize an outstanding person or organization and will be given out on a regular (normally annual) basis. Name the award after your business (like the “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award) and relate the award to your business somehow; if you’re in the manufacturing business, recognize a key supplier or leader in your industry, for example. Take nominations, contact the media, and start giving awards away. All you need to pay for is the plaque or trophy.

4. Adopt a Highway. If you volunteer your company to adopt a 2 mile section of highway and clean it a few times a year, you’ll get a free sign with your company name right on it. As long as you keep the highway clean, you’ll keep the sign. It’s free to sign up in many states; others require a nominal fee.

5. Partner with another business. Developing a partnership with another local company can potentially double or triple the number of people that hear about your business at virtually no cost. Find a business that offers something that compliments your products or services and approach the owner with a specific offer in mind. Ideally, you’ll be able to create a package deal that both you and your partner company can sell.

Stay tuned for parts two and three of How to Market Your Business for $50 or less by subscribing to Manizesto.

Photo courtesy of Christina Snyder