Marketing your small promotional products business doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider digital educational content: According to inbound marketing platform HubSpot, 82% of marketers actively use content marketing – the practice of creating and sharing helpful information on blogs and social media to engage with prospects and clients. Effective content marketing highlights the professional expertise of a company in a way that encourages customers to work with them, and it can be done for free.

Here are six ways to market your business with little or no cost.

1. Create helpful blog content.

Generate educational information for your prospects and clients by tapping into your expertise in promo products. Blog posts don’t have to be long: 300 to 400 words on a certain aspect of the business or frequently asked questions from clients, plus a stock photo and catchy title. Blogs are easy to add to your website and promote on social media. And you don’t have to post every day – think once or twice a week, preferably on the same day(s) of the week.

2. Attend networking events.

Research local small-business networking events, often hosted by chambers of commerce, available to attend for little or no cost. Also make sure to take advantage of networking opportunities at industry trade shows, like those at ASI Shows. In addition to having conversations with other entrepreneurs and building a system of mutual support, local events may have ongoing marketing opportunities for attendees and chamber members.

3. Get social.

Social media is a surefire way to build buzz for your company – as long as you post consistently and engage with your audience. Post both helpful and fun content, and choose the platforms where your target audience is. It’s easy to overextend yourself by trying to maintain a presence on several of them. Choose two or three to focus on, leave the rest, and stay up to date on best practices for posting there.

82%
the percentage of marketers who actively use content marketing.

(HubSpot)

4. Present to a local organization.

Chambers of commerce and trade associations are constantly looking for presenters at networking events, meetings and educational series. Let them know you’re interested and the areas in which you have expertise. You may have to give of your time for free, but it’s a great way to market yourself, your proficiencies and your company’s offerings.

5. Ask for referrals.

Data shows that many sales reps never ask for a referral from customers, even after a successful campaign. And yet, clients say they’d be happy to give them if their reps would only ask. Once a sale is closed, ask if your customer would be willing to recommend you to another business that could benefit from your products and services. It doesn’t cost anything, yet it’s valuable – a personal recommendation from a satisfied customer is powerful.

6. Cross-promote with non-competitors.

After networking events and trade shows, take advantage of those business cards and LinkedIn connections you garnered and see if there are ways that you and local non-competitors can help to promote each other. Possibilities include shoutouts on your blog or social media posts, reciprocal links to their website and coupons that include discounts from both your firms. You’ll appear in front of a larger audience, which expands your reach and sales opportunities.