Last week we hosted the #BrotherBackToBiz Chat Party with the theme of branding and creating great marketing materials on a budget.
It was a great opportunity for networking and the sharing of tips we’re hoping every small business will find useful. In fact, we had so many great suggestions from our small business community, we thought we’d share some of the best ones with readers who couldn’t attend.
Below are 10 tips from the Twitter chat party that should help with your branding and marketing needs without breaking the bank.
Branding
1. Put your logo on all your products. And don’t stop there. Include any other information that makes it easy for perspective customers to learn more about you and how to do business with you.
A6: My dad puts his greenhouse logo, phone # & website on flower pots. Even “trash” can be marketing. #BrotherBackToBiz
— Robert Brady (@robert_brady) February 13, 2014
2. Try branding your mobile hotspot. This can be an easy and inexpensive way to identify your brand with everything you do online.
I changed my mobile hotspot to my brand as well – so when I’m “on” my brand is all over airports, etc #BrotherBackToBiz — Ramon Ray (@ramonray) February 13, 2014
3. Build credibility into your brand. The more credibility your brand has with your intended customers and community, the less difficult your marketing job will be.
@smallbiztrends q3. build your business credibility and marketing will be very successful #BrotherBackToBiz — adorablesweetp (@adorablesweetp) February 13, 2014
4. Let satisfied customers tell your story. Others are more likely to take note of stories from those who have tried and can vouch for your products or services.
A4: Let others do the talking for you. Share testimonials rather than trying to toot your own horns… #BrotherBackToBiz — Cendrine Marrouat (@cendrinemedia) February 13, 2014
5. Focus on the right people. Worry less about convincing those who don’t yet know about your business and more on those who already love what you do.
@cendrinemedia Your biggest cheerleaders don’t have to be your customers, but people who are passionate about your brand. #brotherbacktobiz
— Lina Roque (@linaroque) February 13, 2014
Marketing
6. Keep things simple. When marketing on a budget, it’s important to focus on only what’s important. Include the bare minimum on your business cards, for example, to make sure you communicate clearly.
@smallbiztrends Simplicity is key. Bus.card needs contact info,flyers need headline, short text, call to action & contact. #BrotherBacktoBiz
— Laura Sipple (@lmsipple) February 13, 2014
7. Never forget about DIY options. DIY may get a bum rap as being less than professional. So be sure you understand what this approach is really all about.
DIY doesn’t have to be trashy or cheap – DIYMktg is about owning your brand not following others #BrotherBackToBiz — Ivana Taylor (@DIYMarketers) February 13, 2014
8. Team up with others like you. Other small businesses may be able to help you and you may be able to help them in ways you don’t suspect.
Partner with other small businesses and ask them if they’d be willing to share your flyers with their customers #BrotherBackToBiz — Brother Office (@BrotherOffice) February 13, 2014
9. Use your limited marketing resources effectively. This includes getting every bit of mileage you can out of all the marketing materials you create.
@smallbiztrends Q7 Every piece of marketing material should be used across as many platforms as possible #BrotherBackToBiz — Tiffany C (@sweetmatcha) February 13, 2014
10. Stay organized to stay productive. This doesn’t just mean making lists of what you plan to accomplish. It also means keeping record of what you get done to keep yourself accountable.
A7: Keep marketing tasks lists categorized by action (call, email, design, etc.) so you can get ‘me done in btw things. #BrotherBackToBiz
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) February 13, 2014
The #BrotherBackToBiz chat party was in honor of the Brother CreativeCenter Back to Business contest currently going on at our sister site BizSugar.com. There’s still time to enter for your chance to win. The contest runs through March 19, 2014 and is sponsored by Brother.
For more information on how to participate, visit the Brother CreativeCenter “Back to Business” Contest page.
Chat Photo via Shutterstock
I’m really feeling tip 5: focusing on the right people, on those who already love/support what you do. I’ve been guilty of not doing that.
Thanks for the reminder.
I agree on the credibility part. That’s because a good brand rarely needs any marketing. It just needs a little push to keep the brand in place. However, starting a brand can be quite hard but it is a worthy feat to pursue.
Shawn,
It was a jolly good chat! You could find a recap on Tagboard.com #BrotherBackToBiz
I look forward to the next chat! 🙂