Starting a business can be expensive. From new equipment to staffing to marketing, starting a new business can overwhelm your budget. But there are steps you can take to help your new company keep costs low during the early phases.
Being smart about your company’s budget doesn’t mean scrimping on things like color copies or flyers. Running a cost-effective marketing campaign for your new business is one of the most important things you can do in the early phases of business.
Some things you can do to save money as your new company is still new include:
Get a hold of your local paper’s and magazines’ editorial calendars so that you can plan ads that fit stories and issues being published throughout the year.
Get acquainted with your city’s writers/reporters and present yourself as an industry expert who’ll be available as an expert source for stories.
Use YouTube to broadcast video ads and client testimonials.
Print company flyers and color brochures using online printers.
Become part of a networking group for professionals in your industry. If you can’t find one, look to get one started.
Write tips and advice articles for newsletters published by community and non-profit organizations. Use the last paragraph to tell readers how to contact you.
Pay attention to news events. Get contacts at your TV news stations. Call when news involving your industry happens. And volunteer as an industry expert to talk on newscasts and shows.
Blog for industry sites and sign off with your contact information and a link to your company’s website.
Get involved with local trade associations and offer your services as an expert source for them and for reporters who contact them.
Volunteer for public speaking events and seminars.
Getting your new business noticed doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Promoting your company is important and, even in tight economic conditions, should always be a part of your business plan.
