Growing a business takes time, effort and usually, money. While bigger businesses can afford to spend a fortune on marketing and advertising and hire the best people to help them, for new startups or smaller businesses, it’s not always this simple. As much as you know that you need to spend money to make money, it’s easier said than done when your income is low, and you’ve started with nothing. You have to do a lot yourself, and if you do spend money, you’ll want to be certain that it’s going to be worth it before making the investment. Here are some cost-effective ways to grow your business.

Get on Social Media

Social media is a fantastic way to grow your business, and it can be as cheap as you want it to be. In fact, you don’t have to spend anything if you don’t want to. Set up a profile for your business on all of the main platforms, use your logo and branding and start making connections. Follow people, share your services or products and start engaging with people online.

Changes to Facebook’s algorithm mean that you may want to pay to ensure your content is seen, but on the other platforms you can get noticed and build a following without spending a penny.

Email Marketing

Email is another fantastic way to grow your business online. Collect emails from social media, order forms and with a sign-up form on your website or blog. Use these to communicate directly with your audience.

You can also cold email. Find addresses online and send out a welcome email. Introduce your business and explain what you can offer. Just make sure there is a clear opt-out option for anyone that doesn’t want to be a subscriber.

Telephone Marketing

Despite the astronomical rise in digital marketing strategies, telephone marketing is still incredibly popular. Phone calls give you a chance to make a real connection to people, and call analytics software can help you monitor your progress and the success of your strategy.

Blogging

Influencer marketing is as successful as social media. If you’ve already got a business website, add a blog section. Use it to offer extra content and advise. Post content explaining your products and services, but also use it as a chance to educate your audience. Show them that they need you.

Get a Google My Business Account

Having a business account of Google means that when people find you on the search engine, they also see your opening hours, reviews, contact number and address, as well as a description of your services. This is a great way of reaching a new audience and getting taken seriously as a business.

Get Business Cards

Business cards are still incredibly useful. Use your logo and color scheme again to make sure they fit your brand and leave them everywhere. Hand them to people you meet, leave them in restaurants and on notice boards. You never know who might pick one up. Just make sure that your contact information is clearly displayed.