7 Affordable Small Business Marketing Ideas

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7 Affordable Small Business Marketing Ideas

Toby Dagenhart • April 3, 2020

A savvy entrepreneur understands that marketing is an

important investment for small business growth.

However, the idea that a marketing budget must be sizeable is not true.

There are many inexpensive small business marketing ideas that can help you improve your reach without paying through the nose. Not only are these marketing ideas affordable, but some of them are free.

1. Social media superstar

No marketing idea for any business would be complete without mentioning social media. A platform like Facebook, with over two billion active users, is a powerful marketing tool that should not be overlooked.

You can use social media platforms to create an online presence for your business, provide your clients with insights and information, offer giveaways, and interact with your audience. Be strategic when using social media and be careful to avoid spamming your audience with irrelevant information.

2. Use free publicity

You can assume the role of your business’ public relations manager and send out press releases to your clients and prospects about your business’ current offers. Look out for media outlets in your industry that might be interested in supporting local businesses and approach them with your newsletters and press releases.

You can also get the word out about your brand by becoming a contributor elsewhere. You can make a name for the brand by submitting your expert articles for publication in trade magazines, marketing blogs, and special interest papers.

One great resource is HARO (Help a Reporter Out). It is an email, sent three times each day, with a list of stories for which reporters are trying to identify sources. And it is free to sign-up.

3. Offer something to your clients

This can be a particularly handy marketing idea for small businesses in the process of building a customer base. You can use social media and other customer contact platforms to offer something in exchange for clients.

Some free stuff you might consider offering includes free samples, industry knowledge, discounts, and free shipping for purchased products. However, when offering something free to potential clients, be sure to have clear terms and conditions in place.

4. Communicate with your clients

Too often, entrepreneurs get caught up in bringing new customers on board and leave existing clients behind. Always remember the people who helped you get off the ground by giving them continued attention and service.

Depending on how your clients prefer to stay in touch (and whether they do at all), ensure that you communicate with them on a regular basis. You can do this through newsletters, marketing emails or through social media.

Using a CRM to track customer interaction is highly recommended. PC Magazine recently released this 2019 list of CRMs.

5. Team up with another business

Chances are there is another business in your industry or area that's struggling to come up with its own marketing incentives. Try reaching out to them to see how you can collaborate and help each other. By teaming up with another business, whether in the same industry as yours or not, you can have access to each other’s client base and come up with marketing initiatives that can help you both grow your customer pools.

6. Build a free email list

Any serious business should have an email list that's constantly being updated with new clients. Your email list should be an integral component of your marketing effort, so it's crucial that you stay on top of it. And building an email list should not cost you an arm and a leg. You can take advantage of large email management services for a small fee.

7. Network with others

Any town, size notwithstanding, will likely have a platform for business networking. If there are none in your area, consider going out of town for a networking trip and meet with like-minded entrepreneurs. This will be a great opportunity to exchange ideas that can help you market and grow your small business.

The challenge of growing your customer base and increasing your sales can bore a huge hole in your business’ budget. However, these affordable small business ideas can help you realize your marketing goals and grow your business at a cost you can afford.

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How to Choose the Right Printing Partner for Your Business

By Amber Hollier • January 16, 2025

From business cards and brochures to banners and trade show displays, finding the right printing partner can make or break your marketing plan. If you’re searching for a reliable Houston printer , here’s a guide worth considering when beginning your search for a printing partner. 1. Understand Your Business Goals Before you even start comparing printers, define your needs. Are you looking for high-quality promotional products, large-format signage, or a streamlined process for future direct mail campaigns? 2. Look for a Full-Service Printing Partner Not all printers offer the same range of services. A full-service printer, like us at Triangle Printing and Marketing, assists with everything from design assistance to final production. Our specialty services includes: Large format printing: Perfect for banners, window displays, and outdoor signage. Trade show displays: Eye-catching designs with a high quality set-up that attracts attention at events. Reprographics: Fast, accurate prints for technical documents and blueprints. By choosing a full-service provider, you save time while maintaining a cohesive branding strategy across all platforms. 3. Evaluate Their Quality Standards Your printed materials are a reflection of your brand, making quality non-negotiable. Ask potential printers to provide samples of their work. Triangle Printing and Marketing sets itself apart as a Houston printer with a reputation for high quality prints and attention to detail. 4. Assess Their Customer Service Printing projects often come with tight deadlines or specific customization needs. A responsive, customer-focused printer is going to treat your project as top priority, rather than taking the risk of being just another order with a larger printer. At Triangle Printing and Marketing, we prides ourselves on our commitment to personalized service. As a family-owned and locally operated business, our team works closely with you to help meet both your visual and monetary goals. 5. Consider Pricing and Value We know the importance of staying on budget, however, cost should not always be the sole factor in your decision. A low-cost printer may cut corners, leading to subpar results that could potentially harm your brand image. At Triangle Printing and Marketing we work closely alongside our customers to find the best fit for their projects, offering competitive pricing options all the while never compromising on quality. 6. Check for Local Expertise Working with a Houston printer that understands the local market can be an advantage to your business. Choosing a printer with an understanding of Houston’s unique market needs can make for an ideal printing partner. Ask potential candidates about their experience working with local businesses and customers. We promise you that it is worth the extra time it takes to research and find the right printing partner for your business. With a focus on quality, service, and knowledge of the local market, Triangle Printing and Marketing stands out as an exceptional Houston printer for both large and small businesses. Our customers are always our top priority and we enjoy working alongside them as they work passionately on their projects and towards their goals.