Effective Advertising Ideas for Small Business - Sudarsan9775/blog GitHub Wiki

Running a small business is challenging in the best of times, now in the days post-pandemic, you need to find new ways to attract customers online and make the most of your advertising budget. Here are some of the most effective advertising ideas for small businesses:

1. Have a Great Looking, Easy to Navigate Website

It is more important than ever to have a web presence. In many cases, your online store may be the only way your customers find your business. Make sure your website looks good with professional photos and graphics and is easy to navigate with important information, like order procedures and contact information.

2. Take Advantage of Free Advertising With Google My Business

Make sure your company information and contact information is listed and up to date on your Google My Business profile. This profile is the way that your business appears on Google Maps, Google Search, and the Google Knowledge Panel. It also gives your access to valuable data tools like Google Analytics and Google Insights.

You can customize your profile with business information and capture customer reviews. It is crucial that your business information is accurate, complete, and optimized for local SEO so you can be sure your local customers find you.

3. List Your Business in Other Online Local Directories

You can gain exposure and boost your business credibility by appearing in other local business directories. It is essential that your website is linked and that all of your contact information is up-to-date and correct. Some of the most popular local directories include:

• Yelp

• Facebook

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Yellow Pages

• Yahoo Local

• Better Business Bureau

4. Use Your Social Media

The most crucial aspect of online advertising is to understand your customers and know how they like to be approached. If most of your customers are on Instagram or Facebook, this is probably an essential place for your business to be as well. Social Media Marketing lets you create a presence and interact with your customers.

Facebook ads are a relatively inexpensive way to get your company and your business in front of customers most likely to be interested in your company. You can also select payment based on the number of times your ad is seen so that it can easily fit any budget.

5. Know Where to Find Your Customers

Not every advertising strategy will work for every customer. It is essential to know your customers and how they like to be approached. Make sure your business appears when people search for relevant information. Consider working with a company that specializes in marketing strategies like Internet Marketing Podcast by John Vuong.

To showcase your expertise in your field, consider writing an article for a local newspaper about a current event or issue. By providing relevant information, you can connect with potential customers and generate leads with customers who are interested in hearing from you.

6. Start a Blog

A blog on your website provides valuable information for your customers and can help potential customers find your business. Consistent, relevant new content posted on your website will also increase your SEO standing and help generate long term customer growth.

7. Use Your Customer Reviews

Ask your current customers to recommend your business in an online review or to refer your company to friends and family online and through social media. Incentives such as coupons, gifts or discounts can help encourage people to include a review. You can also ask your customers to use the recommended tool on Facebook to link your business directly to potential customers looking for help.

Feature customer reviews on your website and media. New customers are highly influenced by positive and negative customer reviews and how the company reacts to mistakes or errors.