Topic: Here Are 21 Low-Cost Marketing Tips to Get Your Business Off the Ground

With 100 employees and $10 million in annual revenues, Cynergy Systems — a software developer in the United States — applies effective and economical advertising techniques. Its founder and president, Carson Hager, is blunt: “In reality, the traditional means of marketing do not work for us. Also, we do not have a large budget for it.”

The lesson from Carson, 36, is simple: Before starting an expensive ad campaign, consider cheaper, but just as effective, options. Here are 21 tactics, which require a minimal investment or have no cost at all. And they will surely bring very good results to you and your business.

1. Get involved in social media. Aside from posting a profile about your business on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, you also have the option of creating your group. The advantages of this tool: It is free and allows you to publicize your brand among a large number of people who are fond of visiting these types of sites on the Internet. In addition, the name of your group will appear on the profile page of each of the users.

2. Reward referrals. When clients of Choice Translating — a translation firm in North Carolina — recommend the services of this company to others, they get a gift. “And best of all, each gift — which is a small handmade craft — costs no more than $5 and people love it,” says Michelle Menard, a partner at the firm.

3. Create a blog. This resource is becoming more and more popular. Today, you can have your own blog for free on sites like WordPress.com or Blogger.com. “This is the perfect space to write comments related to your business,” says Hager. To increase traffic, participate in other blogs related to the subject you handle and include in each of them a “link” that refers users to your blog.

Don’t know how to do it or don’t have time? Wendy Kobler, founder of the advertising firm Kobler Communications, suggests that you get in touch with bloggers in your field. These experts can advise you to become an “online” communication professional. Or, ask them to write about your business in different spaces. Sometimes, bloggers have such a reputation that their name is recognized in the virtual world; therefore, their words go further than you can imagine.

4. Cultivate a relationship with your customers. “Loyalty programs motivate consumers to come back more often,” said Denise Dorman, public relations expert and founder of WriteBrain Media. “Create a space on your blog for customers to enter their data and immediately start receiving exclusive products and promotions.”

Reward with discounts and gifts to those who make the most purchases. Remember that once you establish an emotional bond between your business and your consumers, you will become a brand for them.

Topic Discussed: Here Are 21 Low-Cost Marketing Tips to Get Your Business Off the Ground

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