The only way your security business can get clients is with marketing. These eight marketing methods are cheap. Here’s how to get your business out there.
Whether you’re starting a new security business, or you’ve had yours for a while, when business is slow, something is wrong.
Most business owners are not marketing professionals. But luckily, you don’t need to be to learn how to drive in new business. What’s more? A few marketing dollars can go a long way.
Here are eight simple marketing strategies that are either free or low cost to you. Keep reading to learn effective ways to market your business on a shoestring budget.
1.How to Get Your Business Out There: Branding
Those looking to learn how to market services need to realize the importance of branding. Branding isn’t just for corporate giants like Burger King or Coca-Cola. Every single business, no matter how large or small should be focused on branding.
Branding is what separates your business from your competition. It’s also what helps you determine what type of business you are running, what benefits you bring to the security business, and it helps identify and target your ideal customers, or audience.
Take some time to really figure out what your business does and what you represent, and what you do better than your competitors. Then make sure everything aligns with your brand, from logo and website, to how you answer the phones — even the behavior of your security team.
2.Get Reviews
If you’re looking for marketing help that’s free but highly effective and takes very little of your time or effort, consider asking your customers for reviews. Reviews build trust and loyalty in a way that you can’t, no matter how much time and money you put into your marketing.
More than 85% of people trust an online review. And when asked, 68% of people will leave a review.
You can create a testimonials’ page on your website, and then send an email to your customers with a link to your page or Google Business Listing inviting them to leave their reviews.
Avoid offering clients anything in return. It usually makes them suspicious. Rather, simply thank them and ask them to leave a review.
Don’t forget to comment on the review, especially if it’s negative. Transparency builds trust, even when you have made an error. Use negative reviews to improve your business. Apologize and communicate your desire to improve their situation. Even if the review leaves you furious, take the higher road and simply thank them for their feedback.
3.Claim Your Google Business Listing
For those looking to learn how to market services, claim your Google Business Listing. It’s easy and best of all, it’s free. Claiming your listing will help search engines and customers find you more easily.
Make sure you list your businesses address, contact number, and website. Add photos and if you have a blog, share it on Google.
4.Start a Blog
Many people want to know how to market a service that not everyone knows much about. Sometimes, people don’t understand how they can benefit from your services.
Starting a blog can help answer any questions your customers have. All you need to do is write an article about it. A blog also sets you up as an expert in your field.
Try to write at least two or three blog posts per month. They don’t need to be long, but they should contain keywords to help search engines and people find your website. It’s a good idea to write at least one month’s worth of posts in advance before you launch your first blog post.
Make sure your blog is easily shareable by placing social media widgets on your blog. You can use a service like ShareThis.com to learn the easy steps to adding social media widgets. Also, be sure to share your blog on social media sites so more people have access to it.
5.Get Involved Locally
Marketing on a shoestring budget isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to get to know your community.
You can do that by getting involved locally. Sponsor a local sports team or an event.
Hold an event at your location and invite your neighbors. Connect with your local chamber of commerce to stay in tune with popular festivals and business-to-business gatherings. Use your blog to highlight some of the great local businesses in your area.
Join a local networking group. People prefer businesses who give back to their communities these days. Make sure you’re one of those businesses.
6.Raise Your Prices
This one isn’t really about how to market a service but more about how to earn more money. Raising your prices is one way to do that.
However, make sure to add extra service so that people feel they are getting more for their money. You can also try bundling services, offering certain discounts, and even target a new customer base who isn’t aware of your current prices.
Make sure you don’t raise your prices too abruptly or too high. And be sure to plan for how you’re going to handle customers who aren’t happy about the price increase.
7.Subscribe to HARO
Marketing on a shoestring budget is easy when you sign up for HARO. HARO stands for Help a Reporter Out.
This service is sent to you via e-mail three times a day each work day. There are usually anywhere from 20 to 40 requests from journalists and reporters from all media industries in the United States looking for experts like you.
It’s a great way to gain free public relations (PR). It’s an opportunity for you to get national exposure and all you need to do is simply answer the questions the reporter is asking.
You can either opt for a free or paid subscription.
8.Ask Customers for Referrals
While you’re asking customers for Google reviews, you can also ask them for referrals. Many companies have referral policies in place.
If a customer refers a new customer to you who purchases your service, you can offer the original customer a discount or other type of thank you such as a discount of some sort on a future purchase or service.
You won’t get anything if you don’t ask, and the worst a customer can say is no. While some won’t refer you to anyone, many others will.
Keep Learning
Learning how to get your business out there isn’t always easy. It takes time and patience to learn new skills.
We can help. Our blog contains great articles to help you run your security business efficiently. Keep coming back to our blog to read our latest articles.
As a reminder, El Dorado understands the danger of being a Security Guard and the daily interaction they have with the public. This calls for an insurance plan that covers all the bases! Take a look at our Security Insurance page to see how El Dorado can be of assistance.
