Marketing as a small business can be challenging. Small businesses work with limited resources and it’s easy to put marketing on the back burner when things get busy. We’ve been there and we are here to help! Here are 4 fun, easy and budget friendly ways to take your marketing to the next level in 2021.

1. Focus on your social media presence and engage online 
 

In a COVID-19 world, human connection is hard to come by. Luckily there are free tools available to reach your customers virtually. Take advantage of it! What does engaging on social media entail? You can simply like a post, leave comments or repost/share something that resonates with you. Take it a step further by asking questions and getting a conversation started. If you aren’t familiar with social media platforms this can seem like a daunting task but the good news is there is no right or wrong way to do social media. Make it fun and unique to your business and people will love it. The key is to create a relationship with your customers so they come back again and again. Facebook and Instagram are great platforms to get started! While you’re at it, give Copycat a follow so you can see what we’re talking about in action.

2. Connect with fellow small businesses in the community 

We’re all in this together. Connecting with fellow small businesses is a great way to stay inspired and motivated. You can connect on social media by engaging with their content (See tip #1)  or join a local chamber of commerce to meet more formally. Each business has its own strengths and weaknesses so collaboration is key to success. Don’t hesitate to reach out and compliment another business and even ask for some advice.  Value community over competition!

3. Show appreciation to your customers 
Showing customer appreciation is another important piece of marketing for a small business. Happy customers create free word of mouth advertising, leave glowing reviews and are eager to repeat business. How can you show appreciation?

At Copycat we bake fresh cookies every Thursday for our customers, write personalized thank you cards, and give social media shout-outs to our customers every Friday on our Friday 5. These are simple things but they leave a lasting impression on our customers. Appreciation does not have to be expensive or elaborate, just be thoughtful and genuine.

4. Trial and error- don’t be afraid to try new things

It’s easy to get stuck in a marketing rut of doing the same things over and over again. If you’re getting tired of doing the same things, chances are your customers are tired of seeing it too. Make it a goal to try a fresh marketing approach every so often. Throughout the year try direct mail campaigns, banners, flyers, yard signs, videos, giveaways, email campaigns, why not have fun with it? As long as you are engaging with customers on a regular basis and testing and measuring the results don’t be afraid to mix it up.

P.S. I heard Copycat can create awesome direct mail campaigns, banners, yard signs, flyers, and more so give us a call if you want to brainstorm some ideas with us.