Starting your own business venture can seem quite daunting. In most cases, before taking the plunge, as a future business owner, you have given this idea a lot of thought. Maybe even listed the advantages and disadvantages you will be facing. What is true is that most people set out and start their own business with very little capital. If this rings true to you, here are 5 ways you can grow your brand with limited to no budget.
1. Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms tend to be the channel on which new business owners seem to rely on the most. Of course, this is done with good reason. Setting up business accounts on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc… is free! What you need, in order to make these platforms work for you is time. Dedicate the time necessary to make your social media platforms a reflection of your business. Posting as much as necessary, at the right times, with engaging content will help you start earning some ground and spreading the word about your business.
2. Network
Yes! Get out of your comfort zone, which can be your home office, and get networking with people in your field. If you are on the lookout, you will certainly manage to find occasions in which you can participate and spread the word about your business. Make sure you take your business cards along and engage in meaningful exchanges with people who are likely to need your service or product.
3. Collaborations
Many times, collaborations come as a direct result of networking. However, this doesn’t necessarily need to be the case. Research the market and try to pinpoint businesses you can possibly collaborate with. You must offer them some form of added value for this to succeed. This happens very often and is a great way to introduce your brand to the general public. For example, if you are a wine importer, team up with a good restaurant or bar and organise an event such as wine tasting.
4. Public Relations
If you are starting your new business, chances are you have already been working in the field for some time. If this is the case, you must have some good contacts who can help you get the word out there. Get in touch with your key contacts and ask them for assistance. A cleverly written PR piece, published on the right medium can surely help in boosting your new business.
5. Consultancy
As much as you might be a professional in your own field of business, you might need help in order to market your business. Of course, when budget is an issue, this is more easily said then done. Instead of reaching out to a marketing agency in order to build a lasting relationship with them, try setting up a consultation meeting. If you manage to set up a meeting, make sure you do your homework before. Sit down and list all the things you want to ask and need assistance with. The advice you get during such meeting might be enough to set you going for the first couple of months. In the future, when your business is finally giving its fruit, you might want to look into a more permanent relationship with this agency.
If you want to book a consultation meeting, get in touch with us at NB Marketing. We look forward to assisting you.
