Whether you’re new to the world of business or excitedly heading out on another venture, putting marketing strategies in place is critical to your business growth. After all, no one knows who you are or what you offer yet. Ensuring they do promptly can give you the upper hand.

If you want to be one step closer to success, you need to use marketing strategies such as social media, trade shows and promotional products to your advantage. There’s no time like the present to learn all there is to know about promotion strategies and how they can help you grow your new business. We’ve included three helpful tips below to help get your start-up business off the ground!

1- Social Media Marketing

Many businesses rely on social media marketing to promote their brands, and there’s no denying its effectiveness. With 1.32 billion active daily users on Facebook alone, it’s clear to see you have the potential to reach thousands of people who may be interested in your products or services. Once your name is out there in the public eye, with select target marketing you’re bound to notice a difference in your market visibility!

With most social media, simply creating a page and waiting for likes to come is not sufficient. It’s important to tell people who you are and what you offer, but your competitors are doing the same. Online promotions, offers, contests, surveys and other strategies are all proven to be highly effective ways to capture the attention of a qualified audience.

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2- Promotional Products

When your business starts off as a small seedling, it’s up to you to grow it into a strong and healthy plant. Unfortunately, in most cases, this won’t happen on its own when no one knows your name or brand. If brand recognition is what you’re after, promotional products can help. Fitting yourself and your staff out with branded apparel, reusable coffee cups and other items will help get your name out in the public eye. Handing out other branded corporate gifts such as pens, mobile and computer accessories and other giveaways to clients and leads will ensure that you stay front of mind.

Without exposing your brand, you’re less likely to be remembered when someone requires your services. Consistency is key. On average, it takes 5-7 impressions for someone to remember a name.

3- Trade Shows

Trade shows are gold mines when it comes to reaching potential new customers. You may be among hundreds of other similar businesses, but you’re surrounded by a very select target audience who are there because they’re interested in what you’re offering. Play your cards right, and you can cash in on this great opportunity.

However, it’s not enough to just turn up and expect results. You’re going to have to work for it. Arm yourself with plenty of material with which to draw your potential clients. Offer free promotional products such as printed coffee mugs, branded pens and embroidered caps. If everyone is walking around wearing your business name, you’re sure to benefit from it. However, remember what you’re there for, and what potential customers are seeking. They need help from a business like yours, and you need to be that business that offers it. Chase up leads, talk to people and get results.

As a new business owner, your foot is on the first rung of the ladder. The only way to reach the top is through hard work, dedication and plenty of tenacity. Use these simple marketing strategies to your advantage and pave the way for financial success and rewards.