Unlike in the past, businesses are no longer restricted by borders. Globalization has made the business playing field bigger than ever before. However, it has also increased competition, especially for small businesses. With limited resources, they have a hard time competing with giant corporations. Well, that is where robust marketing can help you. Creative marketing ideas help small businesses break through the noise and create visibility.
If you are like most small business owners, you probably wear multiple hats and manage various operations. This means you may have little to no time to learn about creative marketing tactics. Guess what? We have already done the legwork for you. Read on to come to terms with out-of-the-box marketing ideas for your small business:
- Offer discounts
Discounts trigger a psychological response that appeals to consumers’ desire for perceived savings. Getting something for less than its usual price creates a sense of satisfaction and gratification, making customers more inclined to purchase items.
You can use discounts to introduce customers to other products or services within the business. For instance, a small café offering a discount on coffee might entice customers to also try their pastries and sandwiches. This cross-selling approach can lead to increased average transaction values. If you cannot afford to give discounts to everyone, you could stick to specific demographics who are not keeping up with steady income, like seniors or service members.
The timing of the discount is also crucial. Many businesses consider it one of the best business anniversary ideas. So if your company’s anniversary is around the corner, planning a discount promotion can make it more memorable and profitable.
- Set up a pop-up shop
Pop-up shops enable businesses to temporarily open a storefront. Depending on business and marketing objectives, the duration of these pop-up stores might vary anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Pop-up stores can add to your marketing efforts in several ways.
To begin with, pop-up stores allow buyers to try products before purchasing. This tactile experience can build trust and authenticity, particularly for businesses that primarily operate online. Pop-up shops also generate excitement and urgency among consumers. The temporary nature of these shops encourages potential customers to visit and make purchases while the shop is open. You can fuel this FOMO by offering limited-time promotions or special event collaborations.
The success of your pop-up shop hinges on the location. Pay attention to footfalls, nearby businesses, and the overall ambiance of the area. High-profile spots like shopping centers, busy streets, or event spaces can amplify your shop’s exposure.
- Host a social media contest
There are a host of ways to spread the word about your company using social media. Be it LinkedIn paid ads or Instagram stories, the options are virtually endless. However, hosting contests is arguably one of the best ways to gain traction on social media.
According to a study, the conversion rate for contests is nearly 34%. It is because almost 62.13% of participants recommend the contest to their peers to join in on the fun. When you organize a social media contest, you create a buzz and draw attention beyond your regular audience. The potential rewards associated with contests encourage participants to interact with your brand, share your content, and tag their friends.
It bears worth mentioning that the success of this activity depends on the winning prize. While the reward must be worthwhile for participants to take the contest seriously, it should also be financially feasible. So you must strike the right balance between value and affordability.
- Collaborate with micro-influencers
Micro-influencers have a very active fan base on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Unlike traditional celebrities or macro-influencers, micro-influencers typically have follower counts ranging from a few thousand to around 50,000. But they have a more focused audience. Therefore, partnering with micro-influencers will help you target a specific demographic that aligns with your products or services.
Authenticity is another USB of micro-influencers. Since they have a smaller follower count, it enables them to engage with their audience on a personal level. So when a micro-influencer promotes your business, the endorsement feels less like a paid advertisement. This authenticity and trust lead to higher conversion rates.
The cost-efficiency associated with micro-influencers makes them a perfect match for small businesses. Sometimes you do not even need to pay them in cash. They even accept products in exchange for recommending your business to their followers.
Many business owners assume that the local community events have outlived their utility. Well, it could not get any further from the reality. Though any brand can get worldwide exposure through online platforms, customers still crave face-to-face interactions. Attending a local event allows attendees to engage with their senses. In other words, they can see, hear, touch, and taste your offerings. This multi-sensory engagement triggers emotional responses that are hard to replicate through a screen.
Moreover, when a small business invests in a community event, it does more than just associate its name with the event. This level of involvement highlights a genuine commitment to the locality.
Once the event is over, express your gratitude to the event organizers for the opportunity and provide feedback on the experience. Stay in touch with attendees interested in your products, perhaps through a follow-up email or special offer.
Conclusion
Growing your company’s customer base and maximizing its lifetime value starts with a well-planned and executed marketing strategy. However, as a small business owner, you may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of marketing options out there. If that is the case, you may use the information in this post to get clarity and necessary guidance.