Shoestring Marketing

1. Professional Website (24/7 Online Rep) 👋

A professional website significantly increases your credibility. However, you don’t need an elaborate website that’s drowning in text and galleries. Most visitors want to know a shortlist of information: What do you do? Where are you based? Who is the owner or management? And how can they contact you. There is also important website visitor psychology to consider and Riaan will explain them to you. The R950 Website Special is the ideal start for a small business.

2. Google Business Profile aka Google Map Listing👌

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is an extremely powerful tool. It helps local people find you when doing Google searches. The Google Business Profile is a free service offered by Google. Consistent management of your GBP has tremendous compound-like returns. And Google is going to add it to their Ai database soon. There are many YouTube tutorials that are very helpful, however, make sure its an up to date video. Google tends to improve their GBP interface often, so older videos won’t necessarily be relevant.

3. Leveraging Your Facebook Business Page 👍

A Facebook Business page serves as a powerful showcase for your completed projects. Regularly sharing updates on recent work demonstrates ongoing business activity, reassuring potential clients of your continued operations. To maximize its impact, ensure your page’s profile and cover photos accurately reflect your brand. Additionally, consider strategically boosting relevant posts to increase visibility and engagement. I recommend a minimum of R200 per month for boosts and a maximum of R500. 

4. Judicious Posting on Facebook Groups ✋

Facebook Group posting requires a simple but consistent strategy. For optimal results, use an image size of 1200 pixels by 600 pixels and keep your message clear and concise. With text above the image you can go into extensive detail. Keep the featured image simple. If your website has a great featured image it can be your “advertising billboard” and negates the need to constantly create new artwork. Approached correctly, Facebook Groups can generate interest. Always be respectful of the group guidelines and rules. Never spam.

5. Relevant Business Directory Listings 🤞

Local directory listings are a low cost option to marginally increase your online footprint. It is not a magic bullet but it can add a small amount of potential exposure. Be careful of toxic directory websites that can negatively affect your online reputation. Willy nilly adding your business details to random local directories can evolve into a future distaster. Keep a record of where your business is listed. You need to be able to update your directory listings if your business details (e.g. phone number, address etc) have changed. Old business details will count against you in Google searches.

6. Sending Bulk Emails to Existing Clients 🖖

Every invoice is a chance to grow your email list. Building a substantial email database is crucial for long-term business success. By collecting customer emails, you can efficiently inform past clients about new services or updates. This strategic approach yields immediate returns on your time investment. Use Thunderbird to build your email contact list and to send bulk emails (check with your hosting provider what your email limits per hour are). Whenever the economy gets tough, your email list will give you a competitive edge.

7. Website Link Featured Image (Jpeg) 🤌

When you post your website link to WhatsApp or Facebook, your “Featured Image” will automatically be generated. This is an ideal opportunity to professionally showcase artwork that represents either your business or a specific special or service. You can also add a meta description with eye catching slogans about your special or service. People are more likely to click on a link with a neat and obvious featured image. It has to be Jpeg and 1200 x 600 pixels for Facebook and WhatsApp.

8. Email Signature aka Email Footer Design 🤙

An email signature is crucial for establishing credibility and authority for a new small business. It serves as a digital business card, providing essential contact information and reinforcing brand identity with every correspondence. It does not need to be fancy or sophisticated. Simple is always better. I highly recommend using Thunderbird instead of Microsoft Outlook. 

9. Email Address @ Business Domain Name 🫲

A business email address subtly reinforces your brand identity and the services you offer. For instance, if you run a driving school business and your domain is “hakunamatadrivingschool.co.za,” an email like “[info@hakunamatadrivingschool.co.za]” clearly communicates your specialization. This subtle yet effective branding reinforces your business’s core focus every time you send an email. Therefore it’s very important to get a domain name that has your business name and service.

10. Simple, Easy To Replicate, Icon Styled Logo 👈

Most of the famous logos you are able to recognize are very basic. Their design is essentially a simple icon. It’s much easier to replicate a simple icon across many mediums. If your logo has shading or complicated designs it becomes impossible to do embroidery on clothing. It also means you can’t use simple vinyl for signage or vehicle branding. Even business cards and invoices increase the cost of reproduction the more complicated your logo is. A simple logo that resembles an icon makes it easier to recognize. 

1. Branded Golf T-Shirt Elevates Your Image 👉

 Branded golf t-shirts can be a powerful tool for a small business. They create a unified, professional appearance for your team, which can significantly enhance your company’s image. A simple, yet impactful logo on the shirt reinforces brand recognition and can leave a lasting impression on clients. This uniform approach also fosters a sense of team spirit and camaraderie among your employees. Embroidered branding is an affordable option and looks very professional.

2. Rear Window Branding for Traffic Exposure 🫱

Contravision printable vinyl is a fantastic product. You can design a digital contravision print and apply it to your back window. It’s much more practial than any other branding on your vehicle. Rear window branding offers significantly more exposure than traditional side-door advertising, as it’s easier for people to capture images while behind you at traffic lights or even if they driving behind your vehicle. It’s affordable and all you need is your company name, logo, website address and cell number.

3. Business Card Fridge Magnets Are Useful ☝️

A fridge magnet business card is a cost-effective and impactful way to leave a lasting impression on clients after completing a job, especially in-home services.By providing a tangible, durable reminder of your business, you increase the chances of being contacted for future projects or referrals.The magnet’s prominence on the fridge ensures consistent brand visibility, positioning your business as the go-to choice for similar services. And folks love using fridge magnets to secure precious photographic memories to their refrigerator.

4. Never Forget Old School Business Cards 🤘

Carrying a small supply of business cards has proven invaluable in mundane day-to-day activities. You will most likely need a business card when you least expect it. For instance, while waiting in a queue, casual interactions sparked by branded apparel can lead to inquiries about your services. A business card offers a convenient and efficient way to share essential contact information without disrupting the flow of conversation or holding up the line in a super market. Merely being aware of your business card stash in your wallet might even inspire you to spot more opportunities to dish them out…

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