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Free advertising

When you're starting out in business, it's normal for your marketing and advertising budget to start out quite small.

The good news is you don't have to wait until you have a higher budget. 

There are clever ways you can create awareness of your business.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • Social Media
    • Some handy tips: 
      • You can set one up for free and start posting on a regular basis. Consistency is important - if you can manage one post a week, then do one post a week.
      • Use the posts to educate viewers about your business and your industry. 
      • If you post too many 'sales-type posts the algorithm can diminish the effectiveness of your posts.
      • Think about doing live videos and/or record some short, 30 seconds - 1 minute videos about your business' story or services your business offers. These can obtain far greater reach than a static post.
      • Review and use your analytics for each platform to see how you can improve your posts.
    • Facebook Business page
      • Download the 'Meta Business Suite' app to your phone, this is the best way of accessing your business page and its notifications.
      • When messaging others through the platform do not spam/try to sell. Be conversational and listen to their needs.
      • Review the analytics that available within the Meta Business Suite app and see (over time) when the best time to post.
    • Facebook Groups:
      • Find some groups that are within your local community. Pick one or two to start and make sure you:
      • Read the rules and know what you are allowed/not allowed to post and when you are allowed to post. Some groups are quite strict. If you do not have a good understanding of the rules and post incorrectly some groups give you a warning, others will ban you straight away.
      • Don't just post in the groups, be sure to engage with others' posts.
      • Make sure you have your notifications turned as you want to be able to engage as soon as you can when anyone tags your business and or your name.
    • Instagram:
      • You can use up to 30 Hashtags on each post. 
      • Think about using hashtags that relate to your industry, location, target markets and your Unique Selling Point (USP). 
      • If you're not sure what hashtags to use, you can also search the internet for Hashtag Generator sites.
    • LinkedIn:
      • You can set up a Personal Profile and a Business page for free and start posting on a regular basis.
      • Share good news about your company and its achievements/milestones.
      • Write or share blog articles on LinkedIn about your industry
      • Follow other content creators, leaders in your industry and people you are inspired by
      • Look into the features available like LinkedIn learning courses, or advertising available roles on LinkedIn jobs.
  • Internet Business Pages:
  • Free Local Newsletters:
    • Within your local community, search the internet and see if there are any local business newsletters being produced, either in print or online.
  • Community Radio Stations:
    • A lot communities have a local community radio station. Whilst the audience is not very big it is another avenue for free advertising.
    • Perhaps they have a segment where they interview new local business owners?
    • There may be opportunities to sponsor a local community event through the radio station.
  • Letterbox Drops
    • Typically, this type of marketing has a success rate of approximately 1% and needs to a targeted approach and it is beneficial to link it to another marketing strategy.
  • Local Government:
    • Any local events or initiatives that your business is relevant to - you can sponsor, set up at a stall, run a class etc.
    • Physical noticeboards, or online (suburb) community groups or pages you can follow.