In business and marketing, there are so many ways to promote a product or service that it can take time to decide which one to go with. There are traditional methods, such as printed banners and flyers, but there are also newer, more high-tech options, such as online banner ads and social media promotions. You need to increase your business’ visibility to attract new customers and retain old ones, but how do you know which method is best for your company? To find out, read about all your options in this article on how to market a business.
If you’re starting a business or have an established business that could use some ways of getting your name out there, banners are one way of reaching potential customers. But it’s important to know how best to use them. Here are some tips for making sure your banner will attract attention and make people want to learn more about what you do:
#1. Make It Eye-Catching
Don’t go with something dull, like plain black text on a white background. Instead, try using bold colors or unique fonts to grab people’s attention as they walk by—and make sure they can read what you have to say from afar.
#2. Include Your Contact Information
You’ll want people who stop to look at your banner to be able to reach you if they have any questions or would like more information about what you do. Include your name, phone number, email address, website URL, or all of these in clear view on your banner so people know how to get in touch with you.
#3. Keep It Short
People don’t have time for long-winded explanations when they see a banner—so keep your message brief. The more you tell people about yourself, your business, or whatever it is you want them to know about, the more likely they will be interested in what you have to say.
#4. Use Appropriate Words And Images
You want your banner to be eye-catching, but you also want it to make sense—avoiding words or images that might confuse potential customers. For example, suppose you’re a restaurant owner specializing in Italian food. In that case, you don’t want to use a photo of sushi on your banner—people may think they’re getting something other than Italian food when they enter your business.
#5. Good Lighting and the Right Colors
If you’re going to put up a banner outside your business, make sure it’s in an area where it will be seen. Also, ensure that it’s placed in an area with good lighting so that people can see what you have written on your banner. In addition, use colors that match your brand or products; if you sell women’s clothing, use pastels or bright colors rather than dark ones.
Other Traditional Ways to Market a Business
Online and offline marketing are just as important. While you’ll want to research more modern advertising platforms, such as SEO, social media marketing, etc., in your next job, it’s still wise to keep some of these traditional tools in your marketing repertoire. In addition to flyers or business cards for trade shows and conferences, here are other tried-and-true techniques:
#1. Write An ad
Whether you’re looking to boost awareness about your brand or increase sales, running an ad is one way to get noticed—for better or worse. Consider what kind of message you want to send with your ad, who it is aimed at, and how much money you can afford to spend on it.
#2. Run An Event
Events are great opportunities for brands to get their name out while networking with potential clients in a more casual setting than a conference room or office space. The key is picking an event that aligns with your brand, such as a wine tasting if you’re launching a new line of wines or hosting a cooking class if you sell kitchen appliances.
#3. Host a Contest
Contests are another way to promote your brand through social media, but they can be tricky—you don’t want people to think you’re just asking for free content. A good rule of thumb is to offer a prize that aligns with your brand, such as a spa day if you sell health-related products or tickets to an event if you run an entertainment company.
#4. Make Friends With Other Brands
Networking is vital in business (and life), so it never hurts to build relationships with other brands that share similar goals and values as yours. As you get to know these companies, see if they’d be interested in collaborating on an event or promotion.
Social media advertising has become one of the most popular ways for small businesses to promote their brand, but it can be expensive—especially when you’re starting.
Conclusion
In the digital age, many business owners choose digital advertising methods over traditional ones. However, conventional marketing methods can be just as practical if you’re starting. If your budget is limited, try out some of these less expensive forms of marketing before spending a lot on more expensive options. Remember that marketing is essential to growing your business; it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg.
