Marketing is a broad and difficult subject to navigate. It can be difficult to know what’s b...
Marketing is a broad and difficult subject to navigate. It can be difficult to know what’s best to do for your company, especially when you’re on a tight budget.
Despite how important marketing is to business growth, it might be simply impossible to hire a big team and pay for fancy billboards.
So, if you’re looking for a cheap and effective way to market your business, or you’re just looking for some new ways to be creative, here are our recommendations for marketing on a budget.
Don’t let the thought of filming yourself put you off the idea!
Videos are becoming increasingly popular in a world full of virtual meetings, especially on LinkedIn. I don’t know about you, but my feed is inundated with videos from all types of business of all different sizes.
Plus, with other sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, integrating Snapchat’s ‘Story’ feature, self-recorded videos are all over the internet. No matter what platform you’re using to promote your business, these videos work.
For more information on the popularity of videos, check out our blog from last year: ‘Why is Video Becoming Such an Important Part of the Content Mix?’
For most of us, video creation is basically free! Here’s what you need to get filming:
• A smartphone – something that you probably have in your pocket, on your desk or in your hand, right now! Sorted.
• A tripod – some would recommend buying a cheap tripod, but this can get confusing when you need to connect it to your phone… Personally, I recommend just getting your phone set up on something that will keep it steady. This could be a pile of books!
• Editing app – goofs will happen so it’s good to have a video editing app on hand. There are plenty of free ones out there, such as iMovie (iOS) or Filmora (Android). You’ll also end up with a fun little blooper reel!
• Subtitle app – according to Zubtitle, 80% of videos on Facebook are watched while muted, so a subtitling app is a MUST. We recommend Veme.ly or Zubtitle. This is the priciest item on this list, but a necessity. Not only because of the stats but also to make your content more accessible.
I would also recommend writing a script or jotting down some key points so you’re not just spitballing. This really depends on how you prefer to work. It might be worth trying a few different ways before you get into the swing of things.
And that’s it! You’re ready to go!
Click here for one of our more popular videos by 3Search’s co-founder, Andy Sellers. Check it out and get an idea of how you may want yours to look!
Just as a relationship isn’t official until it’s on Facebook, your business isn’t official until it’s on Google.
Google My Business is the tool that you need to get your business listed on the number one search engine.
This service doesn’t only make your business searchable. It also allows you to add your location onto Google Maps and connect with your customers by adding descriptions and photos of your business, letting everyone know who you are and what you do. All of your information in one easy-access location.
Insights are also provided so you can see how to improve customer engagement. This information could also be implemented on other platforms – it’s yours to do with as you wish!
Google also allows your customers to review your business and we all know how powerful word of mouth is. Receiving reviews from your customers means that you’ll have evidence of the quality of service/product you provide. You’ll no longer have to rely on people taking your word for it.
All of this for free! I know, it sounds too good to be true.
Just visit their website, for more information about how to get started!
Engaging with customers is a free and easy way to get your business noticed.
Social media sites in particular love lots of engagement on your content, because this is how they know whether or not to share what you’re posting with other users.
This is what many refer to as “The Algorithm.” It’s what decides if your content trends or not.
Many believe that there’s a secret method to understanding and taking control of The Algorithm, but it’s simple, really – people commenting means that more people see, people not commenting means that fewer people see.
By replying to your audience, you’re encouraging them to interact with you more. Not only does this get your content more traction, but it also gives the impression that you’re an open and positive brand who care about their customers.
User-generated content (or UGC) is very popular in a society where you share everything on social media. According to Wedevs, 60% of consumers trust content produced by other customers more than business-produced content.
UGC is created by encouraging customers to share how they use your product in a way that you can re-share on your own channels. This can include photos, reviews and videos.
The big brands love it, and I’m sure you’ve seen or even participated in some of their campaigns before. Think of Coke-a-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign or Starbucks’ ‘#WhiteCupContest’.
Whatever you do, make sure you ask permission of the owner of the content before sharing UGC. Plus, make sure you clearly credit the owner. Not only does this prevent you from breaking any laws, but it also emphasises the fact that other people love your product/service.
For more information about re-sharing UGC, check out Later’s blog about the rules of reposting UGC.
Whatever stage you are in your business journey, I hope that you find these ideas useful and are now inspired to market in a new and exciting way!
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3Search is an award-winning UK recruitment consultancy, specialising in recruiting marketing experts for the digital age.
Whether you’re seeking new talent or looking for your next career move, we can help.
Learn more at www.3search.co.uk
