3 Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

2013 budgets are tight, but nowhere more than in small businesses. Today, you need to be creative in your thinking, be willing to spend some time developing a marketing plan, and designate jobs to staff, hire a marketing firmt or do it yourself. It all depends on your time and your budget. The following are some tips to get you started.

Write a Newsletter - You need to tell everyone why your business is better than your competition. What better way than in a newsletter. A newsletter is an inexpensive way to promote your business.  It should not just be an advertisement for your business; it needs to be about you, your business beliefs, your employees and more. Write about upcoming events that you’re holding or are involved in, how to use your products in different ways, or write about your staff. Focus an article on one employee each month. Give free tips on how to do something related to your business without selling your business.

Create a contest on your website - Many people enjoy contests. Run a contest every quarter. You don't have to give away anything expensive.  The prize could be one of your products or a gift card for your business.

Join local organizations to network - Networking online is one thing, but networking in person is better. You get a chance to meet different people from different businesses. Many will complement your business. When you speak to these people be sure to listen to what they do, what their position in their company is and how they advertise. If your businesses are in a similar niche but not competitors, you might be able to exchange web links, which puts you higher in search engine page rankings. You might even combine your marketing strategies into one mailing and split the costs.  Consider joining a local Chamber of Commerce to meet other small business owners.

Now you have the idea. Just use your imagination to increase traffic to your store or to your web site.