As a small business owner in the UK, you may find that marketing your business is essential for its success, but the cost can be daunting. However, there are plenty of low-cost ways to promote your small business that can be effective and help you stay within your budget.
According to a survey conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the average small business in the UK spends around £500 per year on marketing, with one in ten spending less than £50. Here are some UK-specific low-cost ways to promote your small business:
Social Media
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be effective ways to promote your business without breaking the bank. In the UK, Facebook is the most popular social media platform, with 44 million active users as of 2021. Social media can be used to create brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive traffic to your website.
Example: A local bakery could use Instagram to post pictures of their freshly baked bread and cakes, promote special deals, and engage with their followers.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach out to potential customers and keep existing ones informed. According to a study by Campaign Monitor, email marketing has an average ROI of 3800%. It can be used to promote sales, share news about your business, and send newsletters.
Example: A hair salon could use email marketing to promote a new hairstyle, share hair care tips, and remind customers of upcoming appointments.
Local Networking
Networking with other local businesses and organisations can be a great way to promote your business in the community. Attend local events and meetups, join local business organisations, and offer to collaborate with other businesses.
Example: A small gift shop could partner with a local florist to offer a joint promotion, such as a discount for customers who buy items from both stores.
Referral Marketing
Encourage your existing customers to refer their friends and family to your business. Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective forms of marketing, and it doesn’t cost you anything.
Example: A café could offer a free coffee to customers who refer a new customer to their café.
Content Marketing
Creating valuable content such as blog posts, videos, and infographics can help establish your business as an authority in your industry. Share your content on social media and your website to attract potential customers and build trust with existing ones.
Example: A fitness instructor could create a blog post on “5 Simple Exercises to Improve Your Posture” and share it on their website and social media platforms.
So there you have it, promoting your small business in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. By using social media, email marketing, local networking, referral marketing, and content marketing, you can effectively reach out to potential customers and keep existing ones engaged. By staying within your budget, you can grow your business without breaking the bank.
