If you're a business owner you should always be on the lookout for ways to grow. Maybe you've run a few Facebook ads here and there, paid for a banner or sponsorship, or even run an advertisement over the radio in the past. Times are tough now, and if you're a small business owner who also happens to be strapped for cash but still seeking growth, you may feel like you're fighting an uphill battle. It can be difficult to grow business without the assets.
Here Are 3 Ways You Can Fuel the Fire and Keep Growing Your Business for Free:
Follow a thought leader in your industry.
It's tough to feel inspired during the current pandemic situation. When looking to boost your morale, find someone with whom you can relate to that inspires you. Whether you follow them on social media or their blog, keep up-to-date with the issues they’re talking about. Then do further research into those issues. This keeps you in the know and more likely to learn something you can easily apply to your own business.
Use your best testimonials.
If someone posts a great review on Google, for example, reply with your gratitude and then reach out and ask for permission to use it in your marketing. Post it on your website and in marketing materials. They can think of it as a way to publicize their own brand and everyone can appreciate some free advertising. Don't have any testimonials? Just ask! If you are running your business properly and customers are happy, it doesn't hurt to ask. Reach out to customers with whom you already have a good relationship and simply ask if they’re willing to give you a testimonial. It builds credibility and can strengthen your client relationships.
Partner up. It pays to develop partnerships with existing vendors or other businesses that are adjacent to yours. That is to say, look for opportunities to share customers. If you have a customer who’s looking for a specific service you don’t offer, point them to someone who does (your partner). And your partner will do the same. Reach out into your business community and see what kind of relationships you can form.
Business Insider, Feb. 13, 2020