I might have heard the word "unprecedented" more times than I have in my entire life. I'm sure most of you are in the same boat, and I think we can all agree that we're ready for a little more predictability in 2025.
But, as an optimist, I like to think that with every challenge comes a new opportunity. And I have to admit, the last two years have taught me a lot about digital marketing on a small budget.
Whether you're just starting out, have been hit hard by the pandemic, or are a small business owner, there are plenty of tactics you can use to grow your business with a small budget. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Start a blog
I know, I know. You've heard it a million times before: You should start a blog.
But it's true. Blogging is one of the best ways to improve your website's SEO, which can help you get found by more potential customers. It can also help you build trust with your audience and position your business as an industry leader.
The key to a successful blog is consistency. You should aim to publish at least one new blog post per week. But don't worry, you don't have to write all those blog posts yourself. You can create a content calendar and outsource some of the writing if you need to.
2. Create an email marketing plan
Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies. It has a high ROI and can be used to drive traffic, generate leads, increase sales, and more.
If you don't already have an email marketing plan in place, now is the time to create one. Start by building an email list of qualified leads, and then develop a content plan for your emails. If you're working on recruitment campaigns, using pre-designed recruiting email templates can save time while keeping your outreach professional and effective. Be sure to include a mix of promotional and non-promotional content, and make sure your emails are targeted and personalized.
Finally, track your email marketing metrics and use the data to improve your campaigns over time.
3. Run a social media contest
Social media is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes, but it can be especially beneficial for small businesses with limited marketing budgets. Social media provides a cost-effective way to reach your target audience and promote your products and services.
One of the best ways to use social media to grow your small business is by running a contest. Contests are a fun and engaging way to get your audience involved and generate buzz around your brand. Plus, they can help you grow your social media following and increase engagement on your profiles.
There are many different types of social media contests you can run, from photo and video contests to caption and hashtag contests. Just be sure to choose a prize that is relevant to your business and will appeal to your target audience.
4. Host a webinar
Webinars are a great way to engage with your audience and provide them with valuable information. Plus, they can be a great way to generate leads.
When people sign up for your webinar, you capture their email address, which you can use to follow up with them after the event. You can also use webinars to build your brand and establish yourself as an expert in your industry.
Best of all, webinars don't have to be expensive to produce. You can use free tools like Zoom or Google Meet to host your webinar, and you can even record it and use the recording as a lead magnet on your website.
See Part 2 for more…
