We’re all feeling the pinch right now. But small businesses? Well, “feeling the pinch” doesn’t entirely cover it. It’s more important now than ever that businesses operate lean and save money wherever possible.
Now, I’m not suggesting that small businesses cut their marketing budget. Instead, businesses should look to invest marketing dollars strategically. Because marketing doesn’t have to be expensive - but it does need to be smart.
Read on for four money-saving marketing tips for your small business.
Batch Content
Ready to save your small business some time and money? Try batching content. According to Later, content batching is a productivity technique where you create all of your captions or visual content during a set period. Essentially - you’re choosing a day or two to complete all of your marketing content for the month (i.e., any other amount of time) in one sitting.
So how does this save you money? It encourages consistency and allows you to allocate your time productively. Pay close attention to content buckets when batching content, and use a scheduler like Later.
Rely on Experts
Be honest - do you really have the time to devote to marketing your business? Or are you just spinning your wheels? As a business owner, you’re already time-poor. So, you can outsource it rather than spend hours trying to make your marketing work.
Think about it - what may take you hours to do could take a marketing expert minutes. So not only are you reserving time for other things, but you’re also investing with an automatic return on your investment.
Leverage UGC
UGC or User Generated Content is a great way to engage with your audience while saving a few bucks. Utilizing UGC creates a connection with your customers and gives you clout. Think about it. Aren’t people more likely to check out your business if a friend recommends it? Well, that’s the beauty of UGC!
Sure, you can share social media content posted by your audience, but think beyond that. Start a referral program that encourages customers to invite friends or an ambassador program that encourages spreading the word about your small business.
Avoid Expensive Advertising
A bigger price tag doesn’t always equal a great return. Don’t fall for the flashing lights of TV, radio, and web advertising. And if you’re considering it, ensure you have all the information you need before investing. What demographic does the marketing medium reach? Does that line up with your customer base? How much control do you have over the advert? Can you track your return on investment? These are all questions you should ask yourself before making a high-dollar investment.
