It's rare for smaller businesses to have a large marketing budget. Marketing remains a critical part of an overall business strategy, however. Without making people aware of your business, you won't make sales. It's that simple!
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Interestingly, taking a guerilla marketing approach actually has some distinct advantages. Not only is it typically very cost-effective, it also means using strategies and tactics that are often impossible for larger businesses to pull off. Smaller often translates into being more nimble when it comes to marketing, and this can be a distinct advantage.
Check out the guerilla marketing tips below to get your business swingin':
- Social Media: Social media connect billions of people around the world through a series of status updates, tweets, and other rich media. And in the business world, it's a powerful tool for attracting prospects and upping your customer service game. If you haven't jumped on this bandwagon, it's definitely time to do so.
- First, get on Facebook. Invite your friends and family to like the page and then use those numbers as leverage to gain some credibility with outsiders.
- Then, join Twitter and follow, follow, follow. Use the search feature to find people within your niche and tweet at them, making pleasant but relevant conversation.
- Once you have these outlets, push as much rich media out as you can, whether it's photos of where you work, videos of a typical day on the job, or witty tweets and status updates. On a related note…
- Produce a Viral Video: Social media success can be taken to a whole new level with the addition of video. A video on YouTube can go viral in a matter of days if it's compelling enough. This is an incredibly powerful form of marketing that can literally create a valuable minute of fame for your business. With something moving, funny, undeniably interesting, a video shared on YouTube can travel to Twitter and Facebook like wildfire. This form of guerilla marketing for small businesses isn't for everyone, but if you have a great idea, it's worth giving it a shot.
- Start a Friendly Fight: A friendly fight is when you and another company battle it out through the use of social networking and/or other media by having the public vote on who has the better product(s) or service(s). This won't harm your business; however, it would help people to cast their vote judiciously.
- Create "Billboard" Opportunities: Why not slap your logo on a shirt or hat for your friends, family, and employees to wear? Of course, you should be wearing your garb, too. Shirts and caps are inexpensive and can generate buzz in the grocery store, on the street, or at an industry function or trade show. Take this concept a step further, and consider magnetic signs or bumper stickers for your vehicle or even a total promotional wrap. The more people who see your information, the better!
- Postering Still Works: Postering has been around for a while now, but it's picked up steam again, thanks to a lot of clever posters. A good way to implement this strategy is to have a question on your poster that just about everyone in your target audience will understand. Then, you either need to make them laugh or want to take the time to get the "help" they need by calling the number or going to the web address that is printed on the poster.
Want some more ideas? Check out these real-world examples of great guerilla marketing!
With a little luck, these guerilla marketing techniques just might deliver results to pound your chest over!
With a little luck, these guerilla marketing techniques just might deliver results to pound your chest over!
