As a small business, it is difficult or rather impractical to pluck out a huge chunk of capital to only spend on marketing. This is because there are a variety of costs that also need to be taken care of. Does that mean that there is no way to market at all? Is there no way to invest in marketing without money? It’s possible! And it’s possible because of a technique called zero-cost marketing.
In this article, we will talk about:
- What is zero-cost marketing?
- 9 zero-cost marketing techniques
What is zero-cost marketing?
A marketing plan that does not require any costs or expenses to be made is called zero-cost marketing. This technique is very popular among small businesses, although it is safe to say that big corporations also tend to make the most of zero-cost marketing.
Zero-cost marketing typically involves curating zero or negligible marketing techniques that can promote your products and create brand awareness. The Internet is one of the biggest mediums of this type of marketing strategy.
Zero-cost marketing also comes with its perks:
- Helps you conduct a targeted marketing plan and focus on the right set of consumers.
- Saves money that can be utilized on other aspects of the business.
- Reach a wide set of audiences with zero or low levels of cost.
9 zero-cost marketing techniques
Once you think about it, you will be surprised at the amount of zero or low-cost marketing techniques that are out there. Here are some of them:
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Use the power of social media
Social media has a plethora of free resources and options that can boost your business sales. It is one of the easiest and cost-efficient methods to start your marketing journey. One of the biggest advantages of social media platforms is the level of engagement and awareness that they can create.
Brands can easily build their personality over social media and target their potential customers. You can also run budget-friendly ads on apps like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn that can be customized according to your target audience.
Not only startups and small businesses but also popular brands are investing time to build their social media personality and handles. With more and more unique tools, social media can be one of your biggest marketing strategies.
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Hosting a webinar
The popularity of webinars has seen a gradual rise in the pandemic. If you can host a helpful and informative webinar, you can attract some loyal customers. Although a good webinar requires a focused plan, it is one of the best ways to reach a wider set of audiences and educate them about your brand.
Make sure to inform your target audience well in advance about the webinar that you are hosting. Opt for a topic that is either trending or that can solve any problem of your intended audience.
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Invest in infographics
If there is one strategy that can make it easier to give out a lot of information in a fun and attractive way, it is infographics. Infographics are amazing marketing tools that can be used to create informative content and can be easily shared. All that is required is good researching skills and an attractive template.
With tools like Canva, you can create free infographics to post on your social platforms. If linked properly, infographics are known for attracting a good amount of traffic and engagement for your business.
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Go for cross-promotion
Cross-promotion is like a barter system in some ways. Brands can approach related businesses for promotion and promote these businesses on their platforms in exchange.
Think about a digital marketing firm promoting a graphic designing business on their platform and vice-versa. This technique also helps to create industry relations along with a good reputation.
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Focus on existing customers
Did you know that it is more expensive to sell to a new customer than an already existing customer? Acquiring customers is hard, but if you don’t invest time to retain these customers you can lose valuable customer loyalty and sales opportunities.
It is always a good idea to get feedback from your customers, act on the criticisms and inform them that you have worked on the feedback. A good connection with your existing customers will save you a whole lot of money.
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Identify the right influencers
Influencer marketing is another technique that tends to be very effective. Influencers, as the name suggests, can create persuasive content for your brand and convince your customers on why they need your products.
Giveaways and contests are some of the popular influencer marketing strategies that are effective for both big and small brands. You can create a creative and well-planned campaign with the help of influencers that are related to your field. Discounts and promo codes can also be utilized to create a buzz around your brand.
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Create your blog
Blogs are an effective way to form a connection with your customers and feed them information regularly. Not only do they drive traffic back to your website, but they also help your SEO and engagement levels by a vast margin.
You can use blogs to promote a new product, inform your audience about your business, or convince your customers about the benefits of your brand.
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Use email campaigns
Emails are one of the most cost-efficient methods used by brands to talk to their target audience and consumers. Nowadays, with the help of email marketing tools, you can create free or cheap email marketing campaigns to send many emails at once.
Emails can be used to collect feedback, keep customers informed, and conduct surveys for your business.
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Don’t neglect customer referral programs
Statistics reveal the power of word-of-mouth and recommendations. Referrals are a great way to strengthen your bond with existing consumers and at the same time gain new customers.
Many brands are adopting customer referral programs, where customers are given some rewards, free products, or loyalty points for referring the product to a friend or family member.
This technique is effective because it is easier to believe the experience of a known person than an elaborate advertisement.
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