Essential Marketing Tips for Startup Growth

​​Relying on the same tried-and-true techniques to market a startup can leave your business falling flat. Sure, they’ve been proven to work. But, if you want your business to move ahead of the pack, it’s time to try out some different techniques.

These marketing tips are perfect for the startup business owner, who is likely bootstrapping his business to success. They’re affordable, yet strikingly successful. Best of all, they’ll get your business noticed in a way that may just edge out your competition.

Get Involved

One of the best ways to get a new business noticed is by getting involved in its locality. You can’t expect the world to notice you if those in your own backyard still have yet to know your business exists. So, it’s time to get involved.

Take note of big community events, like walks or runs for charity or community business fairs. Get your team excited about participating in the events. It will even help your team morale!

You can also sponsor a little league team, send a donation to the local dog shelter, or talk to students at your local schools about the cool things involved with your business industry. Your community will see you doing some good, which is likely to spark some interest in your company.

Work the Trade Show Booth

Trade shows may seem like they’re irrelevant in a world of digital everything. But, that’s far from the truth, especially when you have a new business you’re trying to get exposed to the public. Trade shows are the perfect way to network, form new client relationships, and give people a chance to meet you, your team, and learn about your business.

Fortunately, there are tons of creative trade show booth ideas that can cost next to nothing, and can help you completely win over your audience at the next trade show. Remember to come prepared with some handouts with your business name, address, phone number, and website.

Get Social

Out with the old, and in with the new. It seems that every business is trying to rack up followers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. It’s getting more difficult for businesses to stand out on these networks. Try turning your focus onto other networks that you may not have considered for your business.

Snapchat, for example, is widely popular with teens and young adults, so it can be an excellent way to reach that generation. You can broadcast live events, like your business working its magic at a trade show, or provide exclusive discounts to your followers.

Reddit is another network that can help you get your digital content noticed. You can use it to create a community of those interested in your business niche, allowing you to interact with your customers in new ways. Plus, submitting your content to Reddit, and sharing content of others in your niche, can eventually pull in more views to your website.

Get Personal with Clients or Customers

There is something to be said for a business owner who goes out of her way to send a personal “thank you” to clients or customers. Handwritten notes can still go a long way in making your clients feel special and appreciated, and they will cost you next to nothing.

If you’re heading to a business conference or meeting with one of your oldest clients, take a handwritten note along to thank your host or client. Use professional business stationery with your company logo and deliver your note as soon as possible after the meeting.

This seemingly small gesture can go a long way in business, where personal touches can make a world of difference in keeping clients and fostering new relationships.

Author Bio

Amy is a former preschool teacher turned freelance writer living in Ohio with her two children and two cats. Amy graduated college in 2014 with an A.A. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in English. When she's not playing "super heroes" with her son or toting her daughter to sports practices, Amy writes for Babygaga, AdvisoryHQ, and several other blogs, including her own mom-business blog.