by Annie M Manzi

Created on: August 24, 2008   Last Updated: February 04, 2012

A small business' marketing needs are different from a larger company's. A large company has the capital and equity behind them to afford a marketing department and have an extensive marketing budget. But a small company often does not have a budget big enough for having even one person to be in charge of marketing. Often it is the owner who is in charge of marketing in a small business. This person often wears other hats in the small business and knows the company through and through. This provides a unique opportunity to use that knowledge to do a more than an adequate job marketing the products or services of the small company.

With a little effort and creativity, a small business can be marketed on a small budget with surprisingly good results. I have listed some basic tips that can start you on marketing on a budget:

* The first thing a small business can do is contact the media and local Chamber of Commerce to inform them that your company is now in business.

* A publicized grand opening can jump start your new business especially if you have a ribbon cutting ceremony that includes the local dignitaries. If in business for a while, have a grand re-opening for a new product or service that is being added.

* Take advantage of any free positive publicity that you can find. Use the media sources of trade magazines, newspapers, radio broadcasts, and television news reports.

* Get free media publicity by sponsoring charitable events, free give-a-ways, and informational seminars.

* Engage the media by offering free advice or information to print or air. Make sure you get your company's name and product into the process somehow.

* Once a small business has a customer base, it behooves them to work to keep the customer happy and engaged in your product or service.

* Your sales department has to be able to sell market and be a top notch customer service representative.

* Free publicity through word of mouth is priceless when your satisfied customers toot your companies virtues and products. It cost many more times the amount to market to new potential customers, than it is to keep promoting to existing customers.

* Send a second offer to your customers immediately after they buy. Offer a percentage off as an incentive. But make sure there is an expiration date so they are more likely to take you up on our offer immediately.

* Set up informational booths at local fairs, street events, and farmers' markets. Draw people in by offering a free service such as free blood

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