Small businesses really are the backbone of America. There are 30 million small businesses in the U.S., employing 47.5% of the population.

If you’re one of the 400,000 new businesses started in the last year, congrats are in order! But it can also be scary. Half of all startups fail in the first four years.

if you look at the glass half-full, about half of the new businesses to succeed. We’re going to give you seven creative marketing strategies to make sure your business is filling the right half of the glass.

if You’re cash-strapped, implementing unique marketing ideas could be the difference between your startup succeeding or failing. Small businesses don’t always have the big budget for big advertising campaigns.

Most entrepreneurs getting started have to rely on creativity to market their brand. Once you know how to market a startup business, your creativity will lead you the rest of the way.

These marketing ideas for startups are inexpensive, easy, and will get your creative juices flowing.

1. Get on Social Media

Big brands, little brands, and every brand in between use social media as a marketing tool. One survey found that more than half of respondents saw their revenue increase.

The key is doing it right.

You have to make sure you’re using the best platform for your brand. If your target audience is teens, Snapchat’s your best bet. Facebook and LinkedIn are great for B2B marketing.

But there’s more to it than finding the right platform. You have to have the right content and that means standing out.

Social media apps are pushing for native content and that means more engagement. The more engaged you are with your followers, the bigger the chance they become customers.

Use your chosen platform to gain insight, master customer service, and get a feel for what your customers want.

2. Start a Referral Program

83% of consumers trust their family and friends over marketing campaigns. Use this to your advantage and start a referral program.

Most subscription box businesses have referral benefits. Considering it’s an industry that’s growing at a rate of 200% per year, it’s worth giving it a go, right?

Some ideas are:

• Refer your friends and we’ll send you $10 in brand bucks for every new customer.
• We’ll give you 25% off your next order when your friend makes a purchase using your name in the checkout code.
• You and your friend will both receive 20% off your order when you use the referral code sent to your inbox.

Of course, this all depends on your business model. If you’re selling a service, not a product, change the wording. Adjust discounts to fit your brand’s bottom line.

3. Giveaways

Some giveaways cost more than you can part with. Others, cost pennies.

In the early days, Alexis Ohanian marketed Reddit with a brilliant idea: stickers. In fact, Ohanian spent $500 on stickers with a Snoo (the Reddit logo) and it was the only money spent on marketing.

That’s it. $500. In stickers.

Ohanian would ride around the country in a bus and slap stickers at every stop. He gave them to people. He put them on poles. He put them on other ads (You may want to avoid this one!).

The point is, Ohanian spent very little and got a huge return on investment. Find companies online that print your logo on can koozies, pop sockets, t-shirts, stickers, you name it, and see if you can fit it into your budget.

If not, there are other ideas like e-coupons. Studies show that people can’t resist a good deal. Using the same figures from your referral discount, come up with a way that you can offer a potential customer some incentive to give your product or service a shot. The best incentive is always money!

4. Show up at Trade Shows

Trade shows and conventions are an inexpensive way to connect with other brands and influencers. If you can’t afford to have a booth, at least go to network.

Check their rules and guidelines to find out if you can bring giveaways if you’re not a presenter. If you are, bring those stickers! If not, respect the rules and strike up conversations with others in your field.

Listen to more established presenters and make an impression by asking questions. Get contact and product info on their brand and do some research. You may be able to forge a mutually beneficial relationship…

5. Partner with a Bigger Brand

There may be a way that your startup helps a bigger brand. They may need your social media marketing skills to reach a younger audience. Listen to their concerns and offer solutions that your brand can solve.

You gain a customer base and they gain the missing piece they’ve looked for.

6. Start a Blog

Starting a blog is simple and allows your audience to know your brand better. Blog about your product or your industry. Upload video demonstrations to YouTube and put them on your blog.

Find out how to monetize your blog, like partnering with an affiliate program. The more eyes that see your brand, the bigger your potential for success.

7. Offer a Perks Club

A few years ago, grocery stores had cards that scanned into their system but now, many are going the digital route.

Most major brands offer perks to customers that provide their phone number or email address. Retailers send e-coupons and other special offers every month. Some have an exclusive flash sales.

Like I pointed out earlier, people can’t resist saving money. Present them with a benefit and you’ll see how many take you up on it.

Build A Better Business

Starting a business takes more than product knowledge and creative marketing strategies. Every entrepreneur needs an understanding of what they’re up against.

My blog helps you get into the startup life with insight on what you can expect. Sign up for my ultimate startup checklist or contact me to get the help you need for your business to thrive.