Businesses today face a few more challenges than businesses that were built ten or twenty years ago. A decade or two earlier in time all businesses really needed to do in order to get noticed was hang their shingle and people would come from all around the local area to see what was going on.
Today, things have changed a bit and you have to do something a little more spectacular to get your small business noticed among all the distractions you’re competing against. Here are five things you can do that will help make your small business get the recognition you need to get up and running.
1) Create a bigger web presence. There are many different ways to generate a bigger presence online. First of all, if you don’t have a business website; it’s time to get one. The benefits far outweigh the expense and/or aggravation of establishing a business website. Then you’ll want to either invest in professional SEO services, highly recommended, or hit the books for a deep and intense crash course. Finally, consider advertising with text-based Google or Yahoo ads that pay per click. You can get local advertising in a medium that today’s consumer is likely to respond to.
2) Target your marketing to publications that appeal to your primary demographic. You know who your target audience is around town. What are they reading? Most cities and towns have publications that are geared towards different segments of population. Find the publications that your target audience is reading and place ads in those publications (newspapers, weekly entertainment magazines, etc.).
3) Create a press release announcing new products or services your business is offering. Press releases are effective and free advertising. Free is always excellent when you can get it.
4) Have an open house. Create a local media blitz concerning your open house. Give away plenty of small freebie items, have a drawing of some sort, and provide product demonstrations throughout the event. The important thing to remember is that this is a huge opportunity for you to get to know your community and for them to get to know you and your business.
5) Use signs and banners to attract street traffic. Bright colourful signs and banners attract attention. The number one way to get your small business noticed is by attracting that attention—enough that people will stop in to see what you have to offer.
You don’t have to step too far outside of your comfort zone to attract the traffic you need to keep your small business afloat. These simple tips will help you generate a lot of local buzz about your business. Try them today and see what they can do for you.
Attached Images:
- Image source: SmartPhotoStock
If you’d like help with your signage or banners, Chris Jenkinson writes for Sherwood Signs who would be happy to help.