Attracting new customers can be done in many different ways. Placing ads in newspapers or magazines, renting billboards, setting up Google ads or running tv commercials. All of these methods have proven their benefit, but they also require a significant budget. Luckily there are ways to generate exposure at low, or even zero costs.
In this article you can find 7 ways to get free publicity and attract new customers!
Generate free publicity with these tips
1. Send an email to your existing customers
Your own contact database is a gold mine! They already (sort of) know what you have to offer, but a kind reminder from time to time could be enough to motivate them to buy again. Don't focus on promotions, instead, try writing interesting and useful content for your target audience. This may prevent customers from unsubscribing. Inform your contacts about new developments, new products, or give them tips on how to use your products. The cost of sending an email is almost zero. If you have less than 1000 contacts, the use of an email platform like MailerLite is free and offers many features including address management and the creation of landing pages.
2. Write a press article
I'm sure that if you give it a thought, there is something newsworthy you can talk about. Journalists are always looking for interesting topics. Why not grab your chance and send them a press release. Are you moving to a new building? Did you develop a new technology, product or service? Have you completed a large project? Did you win an award? Or did you initiate a merger, acquisition or partnership? All of these topics can be a cause to write a press release and send it to news agencies, and online/offline media. Maybe not all media will publish your article right away, but the ones that do, will give you free exposure.
3. Turn customers and employees into ambassadors
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to advertise. Other people talking about your company or products in a positive way can motivate others to call on your services. There are a few ways to boost this. First of all, your services need to be outstanding (but I'm sure that's not to be questioned!). You could also motivate happy customers to write a review on Google or Facebook, or to post their experience on their socials. The use of coupons that existing customers can give to their friends is also a good way to broaden your range. You may also want to develop a referral program that allows customers to earn a discount or a gift when they refer a new lead.
4. Organize a contest
People like to win stuff. Organizing a contest via social media, in your store, or elsewhere, is a great way to engage and connect with your customers and get them excited. If the prize they can win is one of your products or services, it's a double win. It won't cost you as much as something you have to buy, and you can use the contest to share more information about your products or services. You can ask for permission from participants to add their email address to your mailing list, or persuade them to follow your company on social media. That way you do not only receive exposure during the contest, but also gain more reach for the future. Don't forget to announce the winner(s) and to put them in the spotlight on social media for extra likes and shares!
5. Use social media intensively
It's unlikely to generate immediate sales from social media, but it will work in the long term. When you post regularly, you become top-of-mind and the first company people think about when they need a product or service you offer. Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are perfect platforms to show the world what you have to offer and promote the benefits. Give your audience a look behind the scenes and involve them in what you do. Choose the right platforms to reach out to your target audience.
6. Write your own blog
As an extension to your social media, a company blog can be a good way to tell people what you are up to and show them your projects and realizations. But more importantly, a blog is the perfect way to put relevant and useful information on your website. This can be done in the form of special tips and tricks, news about your sector, or answers to questions your target audience asks on Google search. By using the right keywords, you can attract the right people at the right moment and boost your ranking in the search engines. Don't forget to share your blogs on social media and via email marketing.
7. Show and tell with video marketing
YouTube is the second biggest search engine, this can't be ignored. By making videos to spread content, you can share plenty of information in the space of a few minutes. Choose between an explainer video, product video, testimonial, brand film, animation, documentary or any type of video you want. Don't forget to use a compelling title and add a good description to your video so you show up in the ranking. One of the easiest ways to create a video yourself is by using Canva.
Get inspired by this cheeky video by Dollar Shave Club
Are you ready to put yourself in the spotlights? Break a leg!
