In 2022, one of the most important activities for any small business is to effectively promote itself and build a brand that the public is increasingly aware of. Small businesses face a challenging landscape in which to trade. The marketplace has become one that is truly global in recent years, and consumers are fully prepared to buy from international businesses, thanks to the accessibility of the internet. In an increasingly crowded global marketplace, it should come as no surprise that around 21% of all small businesses fail in the first year of trading. All small businesses should seek to make themselves highly visible to their target market as a way of gaining and retaining increasing numbers of customers. This article explains three effective ways in which a small business can undertake promotional activities.
Design Banners
Whilst many of today’s small businesses operate online, it is also of paramount importance to target local markets to raise the company profile in nearby communities. Local customers can be the lifeblood of any small business, especially in its early years of operation, as they build a strong customer base. A key way to target local markets is to create professional quality banners that advertise the company or its key products. For this type of physical promotion, a specialist product is required for the banner and, as such, it makes sense to consult with specialists in the field of printable materials. Having an eye-catching banner that is positioned in an area of substantial local footfall can make an immense difference to the visibility of a small business. In addition, the costs of this form of advertising tend to be cheaper than other forms of media, which also makes it a cost-effective promotional strategy.
Leverage Social Media
All small businesses should recognize the value and the power of social media in their promotional activities. It is estimated that 3.96 billion people use social media regularly. This represents over half the world’s population. Leveraging the power of social media channels, such as TikTok and Instagram, can be a cost-effective way to attract new customers and build increasing brand recognition for your small business. The platform is ideally suited for short and snappy promotions and advertisements and can reach millions of potential consumers if the post goes viral. Remember to include links back to the company website in the promotion to ensure that traffic reaches the company website and purchases can take place.
Attend Trade Shows
As a final example, attending trade shows and exhibitions within the industry can be an incredibly powerful way to improve the profile and visibility of your small business. Such events offer a platform for effective networking to take place between similar businesses, which can lead to increased opportunities for trade and collaboration. Trade shows and exhibitions also attract the attention of the general public who have an interest in this part of commerce. By taking promotional materials and contact cards to the event, it is possible to grow a customer base in a highly effective manner, whilst building relationships with other key players in the industry.
