With a staggering number of over 5 million businesses in the UK, it has become increasingly vital for new businesses to stand out from the crowd to survive in today’s competitive market. However, many small businesses face the challenges of limited budgets, preventing them from investing in extravagant launch campaigns.
You may not be able to reach out to celebrities like Kim Kardashian or Kevin Bacon to sponsor your business. However, you don’t need to break the bank to get noticed. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Establishing your presence on social media
In today’s digital age, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for promoting businesses. Creating profiles on platforms that align with your target audience, such as Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and many more, can help reach out to the right people. You can use social media to create and develop your brand ahead of the launch to gather enough attention. Make sure to engage regularly with your audience by posting relevant content, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and offering exclusive promotions.
It is worth collaborating with online communities, as there are plenty of local Facebook groups and Instagram accounts that promote businesses in a specific region or industry sector. This is the opportunity to participate in discussions and leverage user-generated content to expand your reach organically.
Maximise window display
If you have a physical store, your storefront can be a potent marketing asset. Design an eye-catching window display that showcases your products or services creatively. Some of the consideration for an appealing display include:
- A clear and engaging layout that highlights all important items at a glimpse. More often than not, less is more; so refrain from overcrowding your window display.
- A fun colour scheme is a great way to capture the imagination of passers-by.
- You can also use bold signage and lighting outside the store to attract the eye, even before the window display is in sight.
Think of your display as a way to tell a compelling visual story, using bold visuals, intriguing props, and unique arrangements. Remember, however, that engaging window displays could also attract burglars. So, you want to invest in protective roller shutters that will keep your windows safe at night.
Leverage local micro-influencers
You can’t have the Kardashians, but you may be able to get Sue or Ben in your local area. Micro-influencers are an effective and inexpensive way to generate buzz without breaking the bank. You will typically find local influencers on Instagram or Tiktok. Make sure they align with your business values and have a dedicated following. They don’t need to have millions of followers. Micro-influencers generally have under 5,000 followers, but they can provide hyper-local response.
Hosting an inexpensive open-door event
Organising an open-door event is an excellent opportunity to attract the attention of local customers and showcase your business. Keep costs low by utilising your existing resources and networks with other local businesses. For example, you could collaborate with complementary businesses to offer joint promotions or co-host the event. You can also engage with the community by providing interactive experiences, such as workshops, tastings, or demonstrations, which can attract them into your shop.
In the ever-growing world of entrepreneurship, it is crucial for new businesses to find cost-effective strategies to stand out and gain attention. By leveraging social media, optimising window displays, collaborating with micro-influencer, and hoisting open-door events, you can establish your presence without a hefty marketing budget.