Social media has played a big part in our lives for the past decade so it is no wonder businesses feel like it’s crucial in their success, and while it is widely used it’s not the only way to grow a brand.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn can become a fundamental part of a marketing strategy, they’re great for interacting with audiences, promoting a business and building a brand.
But according to a recent survey, 25% of small businesses do not use any form of social media to promote their brand.*
Is social media the be all and end all when it comes to running a successful business?
The answer is it largely depends on who your target audience is, where they can be found and what product or service it is that you are offering.
If you’re aiming a product or service at people between the ages of 18 and 30 then being on social media should be a fundamental part of your marketing and PR plan.
But it may be that your target audience isn’t on social media or perhaps social media doesn’t align with your brand values * - In that case, there are many other tools to help you promote your business and create brand awareness.
Here are 7 ways to promote a business without social media:
Invest in PR
A solid PR strategy will help get you featured in the relevant magazines, newspapers and websites which is the perfect way to build brand awareness and credibility. A good PR team will also make the most of reactive PR and put you into relevant conversations happening in your industry.
Improve your website's SEO
Ranking higher up on Google in your field is a great way to get ahead of competitors. Aim to improve your SEO by creating valuable content that other people will link to and ensure any existing content is well optimised for search engines.
Attend fairs and events
Attending industry fairs and events are a great way to put yourself in front of the perfect potential client. A quick search online is a great way to see what industry events are coming up near you.
Offer client referral incentives
Give customers a reason to share your business with their family and friends. A common incentive is providing the existing customer and the new customer a discount when they have participated through a refer a friend scheme. This is a great way to reward existing customers and entice new ones as well as getting people talking about your business.
Sponsorships
Sponsoring a local team or cause is a great way to reach a local audience. It also creates brand awareness and a positive brand image by showing your support for the local community.
Blogging and guest blogging
Creating interesting and relevant content to your field is another great way to get recognised by your target audience. Guest blogging can be a great way to start if you’re unsure and the audience is already there for you. Reach out to some publications within your industry and see if you can contribute.
Email marketing
Social media is good for keeping your customers up to date with your products and promotions but you can also do this through email marketing. Collect your customers’ email addresses and send them a weekly or monthly email summarising any important information. This helps you stay top of mind and encourages repeat purchases.
*https://www.prweek.com/article/1809167/life-likes-will-brands-follow-lush-going-anti-social
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