Do you have an event lined up to promote your small yet growing business? Whether it’s a product launch, a grand opening, or a pop-up shop, you need attendees and potential customers to ensure a successful event. For a small business with a limited marketing budget, this is easier said than done.
Fortunately, marketing strategies for local and small businesses won’t require that much money in general, especially with the various tools that you have at your disposal these days. With creative ideas and smart execution, you can successfully promote your event even on a budget.
To give you some inspiration, here are a few marketing ideas for your next event.
Social Media Campaigns
When it comes to budget marketing ideas, one of the first things that come to mind is social media. In this age of influencer marketing, this channel has become an indispensable weapon in a marketer’s arsenal. From Facebook and Instagram to Twitter and LinkedIn, these platforms offer diverse opportunities to engage with your audience, share event details, and generate buzz.
Using strategic hashtags, viral-worthy short videos, and relatable user-generated content (UGCs), you can build anticipation about your company’s upcoming events. What’s more, for a minimal fee, you can advertise on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms to reach your target audience more effectively.
Brand Merchandise
Giving away brand merchandise is a time-tested marketing strategy to promote or reinforce your brand identity. After all, who would even refuse free items?
At your event, consider offering branded items such as custom lanyards, personalized wristbands, and office supplies with your logo and tagline printed or engraved on them. These items not only act as tangible reminders of your business but also serve as walking advertisements when attendees use or wear them in public.
Keep in mind that not all branded merchandise is created equal. When selecting merchandise for your business, opt for practical items that are relevant to your audience and aligned with the theme of your event. For instance, handing out branded pet essentials would be a great idea for the grand opening of a new dog grooming business, but not for a spa or a salon. As with any marketing campaign, always keep your target audience in mind.
Guerrilla Marketing
Guerrilla marketing offers a creative and unconventional approach to event promotions that can yield impressive results on a limited budget.
According to an article published on Medium, guerilla marketing tactics can reduce the cost of marketing campaigns by up to an astounding 90 percent. Moreover, 57 percent of consumers agree that guerrilla marketing is an effective promotional tool.
This grassroots marketing tactic relies on imagination, innovation, and surprise to capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Examples of guerrilla marketing strategies you can use on your business’s upcoming events include sidewalk chalk art, social media scavenger hunts, and street art campaigns. By thinking outside the box and using your creativity, your businesses can make a big impact without breaking the bank.
Event Platforms
Listing your event on various online platforms can significantly expand its reach and attract a broader audience. So, take advantage of the free event listing websites, such as Facebook Events, Yelp, EventBrite, and more. In addition, you can post details of your event on your community’s calendar and local business directories.
It’s not enough to simply add the basic details of your event. Be sure to optimize your event listings online with compelling descriptions, relevant keywords, and engaging visuals to stand out from the crowd. By leveraging the power of online platforms, small businesses can maximize exposure and drive attendance to their events.
Flyers and Posters
While digital marketing strategies are essential, traditional methods such as flyers and posters still hold relevance in event promotions. Design eye-catching printed materials and strategically distribute them in high-traffic areas to effectively reach your target audience. For more professional results, you can also hire a graphic designer and have a printer reproduce your posters and flyers.
With your flyers and posters on hand, consider locations where you can post them. Ask yourself where your target audience usually hangs out. Is it at local coffee shops? Schools? Community centers? With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, printed materials can complement your digital efforts and enhance event visibility.
Local Influencer Outreach
Local influencers can play a pivotal role in amplifying your event’s reach and credibility within the community. Identify influencers in your niche industry or locality and reach out to them with personalized invitations or collaborations. To sweeten the deal, offer them complimentary tickets or exclusive access in exchange for promotion to their followers. By building genuine relationships with local influencers, you can leverage their networks to expand event reach and attract a wider audience.
Effective event promotions don’t have to break the bank for small businesses. By taking advantage of free marketing tools and resources such as social media and guerilla marketing, you can expand your reach, and eventually be visible to your target audience. With creativity, strategic thinking, and a dash of innovation, small businesses can achieve big results in event promotions.
Make Wristband Creation a part of your event promotion. We offer practical and attractive corporate giveaways that are the perfect merch for your event swag bags. Browse through our collection of branded merch and shop for items that align with your event and marketing campaign.
