Most of us starting a business do not have the upscale capital like larger corporations do to market a business. How can we market without breaking the bank? If you find that it is expensive to market your business, start with a budget and you’ll be surprised how simple marketing can also play a great role in your business.

We all know that marketing is simply a way to create a demand for your products/services. You must be marketing to anyone with whom you come into contact with. Every dollar you make in selling a product/service is a result of some type of marketing. When you’re on a shoe-string budget, basic marketing is really all you need. The main four being:

* Promotion
* Distribution
* Identification of target market
* Pricing

* Promotion – Developing promotion strategies are essential. There are as follows: advertising on t.v. and radio, advertising in trade journals, magazines, newspapers/newsletters, personal contacts with potential clients, promotions in sales, open houses, etc., yellow pages advertising, signs/displays, billboards, direct mail, seminars, your own newsletter, press releases, trade shows, article publication and advertising/marketing on the the Internet. However, specific products/services circumstances will determine what works best for you.

* Distribution - How will you get your products/services to the customer? For instance, location of your business, wholesalers and distribution centers, packaging and shipping. Planning what is critical to consider in distributing your goods is an essential effort.

* Identification of target market – Research your potential market. Have precise descriptions of your products/services. Accumulate data based on observation and determine your target market. Look at the fundamental spending habits of your customers by collecting relative information.

* Pricing – What does it cost for the product to manufacture, acquire etc., your overhead and profit. You need to be competitive and that’s where research is very important. What is the customer willing to pay for the products/services. Provide a product/service that is superior to command a higher price provided it is based on solid market research. Keep the following in mind: your total cost, your competitor’s cost, what the market is willing to pay and what type of promotions you will use.

Get the word out about your business. Write articles, advertise via e-mail, direct mail and social networking sites. Always keep your customers satisfied and remember your best advertisement to marketing your business is a satisfied customer!

Best of luck with your business endeavors.

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