No matter what your field is, getting new customers is a lot of work. When you run a small business, budgets are tight and your time is limited. Making the most of your money and resources is essential for your business’ success. The truth is, it shouldn’t be that hard to meet new customers.
So we’re here to help.
The below 100 tips (yep, one HUNDRED) can help you market your small business effectively and connect with new customers.
1. Create & launch a website
2. Create a Yelp profile
3. Ask clients to review you on Yelp
4. Add a Google Local profile
5. Launch a Google AdWords Campaign
6. Start a YouTube channel with tutorials and advice videos
7. Join Thumbtack to buy leads
8. Subscribe to HomeAdvisor
9. Do an Angie’s List trial
10. Get on Groupon or Living Social and post deals
11. Sign up for Superpages
12. Respond to Craigslist job requests
13. Join TalkLocal to get new leads via phone
14. Get a new client from an On Demand service, then pull them off platform
15. Get BBB accredited
16. Connect with leading city bloggers and ask them to review your business or sponsor a post
17. Advertise on area blogs
18. Write a D.I.Y blog and disseminate to your clients
19. Write an “Ask the Expert” column for a local paper or city blog
20. Guest blog on influential sites
21. Engage in blog forum discussions in your area
22. Send 1 business-oriented Tweet every day
23. Make a Twitter list to connect with local influencers
24. Post 1 business-oriented photo on Instagram every day
25. Start a Facebook business page
26. Ask clients to review you on Facebook
27. Kick off a targeted Facebook advertising campaign
28. Give a discount to clients who share your Facebook page
29. Offer giveaways and promote them on social media
30. Promote your clients online, encouraging them to share with their friends
31. Partner with other local businesses to offer packages
32. Join your city’s Chamber of Commerce
33. Make flyers and hire a TaskRabbit to pass them out on neighborhood doorsteps
34. Print business cards and hand them out to / leave them for clients
35. Leave flyers with local apartment complexes and homeowners’ associations
36. Place flyers in local businesses to advertise your services
37. Advertise in church bulletins
38. Set up a display at a farmers’ market or craft sale
39. Sponsor a non-profit event or fundraiser
40. Submit your business for community recognitions
41. Attend conferences
42. Contact local universities and offer yourself as a speaker
43. Post your information on community boards at libraries and grocery stores
44. Sponsor a local sports team for kids
45. Attend new resident meetings to showcase your services to potential customers
46. Volunteer in the community to connect with other leaders
47. Leave branded pens behind at local businesses
48. Advertise on pizza boxes or grocery store carts
49. Create keychain tags and give them out at fairs
50. Attend traditional networking events
51. Create bookmarks with your info and donate them to the library and local schools
52. Donate a gift certificate to charity auctions
53. Do pro bono work for charity (networking!)
54. Offer appreciation day specials for teachers, veterans, etc.
55. Ask friends and family to share your information on social media
56. Give clients a 25% discount on each referral they send your way
57. Send happy birthday texts/emails to clients
58. Send a thank you text when a client refers you to their friend
59. Survey customers to identify areas of improvement
60. Send a thank you note or update after completing a job
61. Throw in some freebies—like candy—whenever meeting a client
62. Start a loyalty program
63. Send exclusive holiday offers to current customers
64. Send a monthly newsletter to your customers
65. Offer a coupon to new newsletter subscribers
66. Distribute a press release to your local newspapers
67. Write a letter to the editor of an online publication
68. Create a media kit for reporters to use when covering your business
69. Create an online magazine
70. Monitor your online reputation
71. Write an eBook
72. Get attention – challenge other industry influencers in your writing
73. Start a podcast
74. Host webinars
75. Create an e-brochure to share on region forums
76. Join HelpAReporter.com and offer yourself to journalists as an expert in your field
77. Write whitepapers and distribute them to people in the industry
78. Create an online portfolio of your work
79. Teach your expertise in an online course
80. Buy marketing lists for email campaigns
81. Advertise on the radio
82. Advertise on a billboard
83. Advertise in other people’s newsletters
84. Cold-call new leads each day
85. Offer mini-trials of your services
86. Include a link to your website and a coupon code in your email signature
87. Sponsor a Pokemon Go location
88. Host a Meetup in your area to network and find prospective clients
89. Put a magnet with your contact info on your car
90. Wear a company-branded t-shirt
91. Use Fiverr to get new logos, flyers or brochures
92. Research the competition’s pricing and adjust as needed
93. Offer a satisfaction guarantee
94. Provide outstanding customer service
95. Set up a professional answering service
96. Post your pricing on your website
97. Get a QR code
98. Offer free tools or downloads
99. Create a promotional calendar
100. Film testimonials or customer interviews.
While you may not be able to do everything on this list, experimenting with different ideas outside of your comfort zone can yield impressive results.
During the next slow season, use these tips to kickstart your marketing efforts and connect with new clients. Or start today – what are you waiting for?
