11 Effective Ways to Grow Your Small Brand
1. Publish and engage on social media sites
Creating a presence for your business on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and others is a great way to get the word out about who you are and what services, products or mission you have.
2. Build an email marketing list (and send value to your subscribers)
Thanks to smartphones, email has become one of the primary ways companies communicate with current and prospective customers. Are you reaching out to your customers via email?
3. Speak at events
Volunteering to speak at local or industry events is a great way to connect with other businesses and future customers. All you need to do is be proactive, be organized, and be confident in the value you can give to others.
4. Give to charity
The average consumer today is highly tuned into issues that affect the world. Supporting a charity or cause that relates in some way to your business or values will cost some money, but it doesn’t have to be anything drastic in order to make an impression on your customers.
5. Learn (and remember) the names of your customers
People like doing business with people. Take time to learn the names of your customers. Show them you care.
6. Hire great employees
Hiring employees is definitely an investment, but hiring the wrong employees will cost you more money in the long run.
7. Offer loyalty discounts
Launching a loyalty program might cost some money in the beginning, but once you have it in place, your customers will likely end up spending more and visiting you more often than they might have before you had anything in place.
8. Send handwritten thank you cards
The world moves fast these days. A personal, handwritten note can go a long way. Your customers will notice, appreciate, and remember the time you spent to personally thank them for their business.
9. Offer a free seminar
Offering free education to others is another great way to build a reputation for yourself and your business. It’s also a great way to connect with people who might be interested in doing business with you.
10. Offer a free webinar
Hosting a free webinar is also a great way to connect with potential customers, especially if the majority of your business comes from areas outside of your city, state, or country.
11. Talk (and listen) to your existing clients
As mentioned earlier, your existing customers likely have a lot of insight to share with you. Talk to them. It doesn’t cost you a penny.
