As a new business, gaining exposure is vital to your success. You’ve worked hard to get where you are and the time has come to get your product or service out into the world. You’re eager and ready, and let’s be honest, a little nervous. You want to reach your consumer and not spend a lot of money doing so. Luckily, there are many ways to gain publicity for little to no cost. Here are a few tips and tricks to grow your business for free!
1. Getting Involved in the Local Community
Giving back to a local charity or forming a special event is a great way to get involved in the community and create relationships with locals. You can offer to donate your product or service, if applicable, to the charity of your choice. Doing so gains exposure for your business while helping your community.
2. Write A Bad A** Press Release
After that charity event you volunteered at, it’s time to write a killer press release. An eye catching headline is the most important to the release. A press release should be no longer than one page, if possible. One pagers allows you to provide all the information you need right away. Add a ‘Press’ or ‘News’ section to your website and add photos to accompany the press release. You should also link the press release to your social media accounts, which can double as a post to showcase your “social proof” which will allow the journalist and media outlets to see what you are promoting. This is a great way for potential customers to see your involvement in the community, your newest product, and how your business is growing.
3. Social Media: Be Consistent and Creative
Whether you love it or dread it, social media is crucial to gaining exposure. Some easy and effective tips to growing your social media accounts are daily engagement and good, consistent content. Be sure to like, comment, and follow accounts you feel are cohesive with your brand. Engaging with like-minded people ensures you’re creating awareness to the right people. You never know if an account you stumbled upon could be your next loyal customer.
When creating content, be sure your message is clear and your photos are cohesive. Whether you want to create a theme by content, colors, or photo style; be sure your feed is as visually pleasing as it is informative.
4. Finding the Right Influencer
While on your daily liking-spree on Instagram, take time to look for accounts that not only fit your brand, but have a large following and good engagement. Many social media users are more than willing to try your product, review it, and share it with their followers. For just the cost of your product, you will gain exposure and potentially new customers. Using influencers to gain publicity is a great way to earn authentic feedback while growing your customer base.
Try these 4 easy tips on your next marketing campaign and remember: “When you learn, teach, when you get, give.” - Maya Angelou.
by Kelsey LaMay