Small Advertising, BIG Reach

Staying Small has never had more advantages than it does today, and the forecast shows, these patterns are going to continue bringing the smaller companies to the forefront.

Thanks to filters and followers, Affiliate and Influencer marketing strategies have surpassed the celebrity branded commercials large corporations have shelled out millions for in days past.

Last year alone, 72% of consumers relied on social media to make a decision on purchasing. Essentially what this proves is nothing short of MONUMENTAL marketing opportunities for even the most infantile entrepreneurs.

Here’s 2 Basics of How:

• Hashtag creativity, coming up with an unused hashtag giving past and future customers an easy search route through social platforms. I suggest using something that allows people to feel comfortable taking the picture, for example, adding words such as “challenge” or “movement” create a momentum.
• Sending samples and products to influencers. Remember, these individuals have built trust with their audience, so don’t assume they will over fluff your product….in fact expect the exact opposite. Aim for your favorite influencers that you feel your product will be a great fit on. If you can add additional perks to the sample you send, do so! An example would be, if you’re printing T-shirts, or selling jewelry that benefits a certain cause, make sure your influencer knows this, they are REAL people who enjoy doing good, this also gives them a basis to bring your product into their conversations and photo descriptions.

The Buy Local Movement Has Your Back

Local chambers of commerce, small entrepreneurs, and independent business alliances have built an incredible campaign that now stretches to almost every corner of the country. A recent look at numbers showed, 93% of American believe it’s important to support small, local businesses! I’ll repeat, 93%!!!!

Here’s what small businesses can do for their amazing community buyers:

1.) Tell your story- The Buy Local movement really starts with each business story, if you started making soaps because your family had reactions to the common soaps and detergents in stores, then tell your audience that story. Be relatable, explain how it took you a year and a half to perfect the scent and consistency before realizing your families skin irritations had completely vanished….people want to know these things.

2.) Build Trust- Are you at the farmers market every weekend? Let a potential buyer know that they can come back to you with any questions or a return. Remember, some of your BEST repeat customers may be afraid to get hooked on your product because they don’t know if you are going to turn around and stop making it in a few months. If you have a business card, a basic website, other local spots that carry your product etc., give that to them…don’t feel uncomfortable letting them know your jars of jam will be easily accessible to them for years to come.

3.) Give back- Support the local food drive, donate some of your products or services to a charity that helps your community, let people know you’re committed to the community too.

Flex The Small Stuff

Easy tactics of communication, face to face dealings, and personal attention to the wants and needs of your clients makes it much easier for you to grow with your business goals, and move with your client base.

Big corporations are having months worth of meetings following a series of several thousand complaints, just to “consider” making a change…from there is the “bill passes” it is still a long road before any loyal consumers will see the change. Small businesses? If you want to change your packaging to protect your products better, well, you do it! If you want to include a free gift with each purchase, no problem! This may look like a minor advantage, but it’s not.

The Least You Need To Know as a small business:

1.) Use social media and word of mouth as your primary source of marketing, and be creative in doing so.
2.) Tell your story.
3.) Be willing to Flex and Grow with your customers.

Lastly, Remember…

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I can’t compete with the big companies.” Consider yourself wrong, in the best ways possible. Being small is your BIGGEST Advantage!