From small businesses to large online businesses, customers are bombarded with shopping choices. It's important to remember that even in this saturated market, buyers still value relationships, great service, and quality products and services. By taking the time to promote your business thoughtfully and strategically, you can stand out from your competitors. Here are the 15 best ways to promote your business.
Open a website
Potential customers like being able to access a business website, even if it's a simple one. Your website serves as a central location for sharing your brand story, product and service information, updates, special events, and more. All of this works as a way to promote your business 24/7.
Claim your Google Business Profile
Once you've launched your website, claim your Google Business Profile. This is a free tool that small businesses can use to manage how they appear in search results. Verifying your profile and listings will help you appear on Google Maps, increasing your business credibility and attracting more customers.
Create a local listing
Third-party websites like Yelp, Bing, and the Better Business Bureau act as directories for business listings, so you need to make sure you're added to those websites. Add as much information as you can to your listing, including address, phone number, website, and business hours, and update it regularly as needed.
prioritize social media
Social media may seem overwhelming, but advertising is a big part of the success of today's businesses. Share content, answer questions, and attract new customers by connecting with your target audience via Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter).
Utilizing influencers
Many companies choose to leverage social media influencers to support their advertising efforts. Local accounts with large followings are often happy to partner with businesses for promotions and giveaways, which can expand your reach as well as theirs.
Optimize SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a completely free way to improve your website's ranking in search engine results. Using relevant keywords, headings, images, and links will help Google and other engines find your site more quickly and move you closer to the top of the results page.
start a blog
Another part of SEO is publishing high-quality content, and one of the easiest ways to do that is with a blog. Sharing content that provides value to your readers is a great form of passive advertising that can be done in a variety of ways. Consider creating posts that provide information, entertainment, stories, and resources.
Post paid ads
Advertising is a more expensive form of advertising, but it also provides a high return on investment. Paid ads can be found everywhere, from Google search results pages to social media to what appears in the sidebar of the websites you visit.
Share interactive content
Improving the consumer experience through interactive content is also a subtle way to advertise. Customers who can engage through e-books, quizzes, and infographics enjoy these experiences and remember the brand that provides the content.
Host a webinar or workshop
Another way to promote your business is to share your knowledge yourself through webinars and workshops. Hosting online or in-person events where attendees can ask questions, gather information, and learn new skills is a great way to make your advertising more personal.
collect reviews
Gaining positive reviews from real people can increase momentum and legitimacy for your business. Potential buyers rely on public reviews on Google and Yelp before making purchasing decisions, so take the time to seek feedback from satisfied customers.
Let's get back to basics
Advertising has changed a lot over the years, but many old-school techniques still have value. Business cards, magazine and newspaper ads, and paper mailers may seem outdated, but for some brands they're still a worthwhile investment to reach a specific target audience.
Start an email campaign
Email advertising campaigns are a low-cost way to reach both new and existing customers. The key is to send emails strategically and make sure to provide value, such as business and product updates, special events, and seasonal discounts.
reward loyalty
Customers like to be rewarded for brand loyalty, making this another effective means of advertising. Offering tokens of appreciation, such as discount codes or freebies, to customers who make purchases or refer others to your business is a way to get big results for little money.
support local
For small businesses, another great way to promote your business is to engage with your local community whenever possible. Attending an event, offering sponsorship, donating in kind, or volunteering as an organization or board member are all opportunities to share about your business.