Free Advertising

Here are some simple ways to advertise your small business for free:

1. Utilise social media: Create social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram & post regular updates to reach a wider audience.
   
   

2. Get listed in online directories: Submit your business information to online directories like Google My Business, Bing Places, & Yelp to increase visibility and drive traffic to your website.
   
   

3. Utilise email marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters to keep your customers informed and engaged. Make sure you follow the ICO's GDPR marketing guidelines.
   
   

4. Network with other businesses: Attend local events, join business groups and organisations, and connect with other business owners to expand your network and reach new customers.
   
   

5. Offer promotions and discounts: Run special promotions and discounts to attract new customers and encourage repeat business.
   
   

6. Collaborate with other businesses: Partner with other businesses in your area to cross-promote each other's products or services.
   
   

7. Ask for customer referrals: Encourage satisfied customers to refer their friends and family to your business.
   
   

8. Share content on community platforms: Share your knowledge and expertise by writing articles or creating videos and sharing them on community platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit.
   
   

9. Take advantage of free advertising options: Look for free advertising options, such as classified ads, free listings, or local community bulletin boards.
   
   

10. Provide exceptional customer service: Offer excellent customer service to build a positive reputation and attract new customers through word-of-mouth marketing.

Here are the steps you can follow to set up a Google My Business listing:

1. Sign up for Google My Business: Go to the Google My Business website and sign up using your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one for free.
   
   

2. Add your business information: Fill out your business's information, including your business name, address, phone number, website, and category.
   
   

3. Verify your business: Google will verify your business listing by sending a postcard with a verification code to your business address. You'll need to enter the code on the Google My Business website to complete the verification process.
   
   

4. Add photos: Add photos of your business, including your storefront, products, and services.
   
   

5. Optimise your listing: Make sure your business information is accurate and up-to-date, and add as much detail as possible about your products and services.
   
   

6. Encourage customer reviews: Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing. Respond to any reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional and helpful manner.
   
   

7. Update your listing regularly: Keep your business information up-to-date, including your hours of operation, contact information, and any changes to your products or services.
   
   

By following these steps, you can set up a Google My Business listing and start appearing in Google Maps and local search results. This can help you attract new customers and improve your online visibility.

Word of mouth advertising is a highly effective way to promote your brand in the UK, as it is based on personal recommendations and trust. 

Here is a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Provide exceptional customer service: Treat your customers with respect and go above and beyond to meet their needs. This will help create a positive experience and increase the likelihood of them sharing their experience with others.
   
   

2. Ask for referrals: Encourage your satisfied customers to recommend your brand to their friends and family. Offer incentives, such as discounts or special promotions, to those who provide referrals.
   
   

3. Create a referral program: Consider developing a formal referral program that rewards customers for each person they refer to your brand.
   
   

4. Offer incentives for positive reviews: Encourage customers to leave positive reviews on social media, your website, or review sites such as TripAdvisor or Yelp. Offer incentives such as discounts or free products in exchange for positive reviews.
   
   

5. Foster a sense of community: Create a sense of community among your customers by hosting events, participating in local causes, and providing opportunities for them to connect with each other.
   
   

6. Stay engaged with your customers: Respond to customer inquiries and feedback in a timely manner, and continue to engage with your customers through email newsletters, social media, and other channels.

Remember, word of mouth advertising is built on trust, so focus on providing a positive experience for your customers, and the recommendations will come naturally.