Small Budget, Big ROI: 3 Ways to Capitalize Your Marketing Efforts On A Tight Budget

Small Budget, Big ROI: 3 Ways to Capitalize Your Marketing Efforts On A Tight Budget

It’s a misconception that marketing is expensive.

Marketing can be expensive. Especially when companies try to tackle all of their marketing goals at once. But, if you’re just starting out, or have a limited budget, you can still make a dent in your overall marketing plan. 

Here are a few budget-friendly marketing activities that don’t require a lot of know-how, but can get you major results!

1. Three words: Search Engine Optimization

More commonly referred to as just SEO, these three words (or letters) can have a huge impact on your marketing goals. 

What is SEO? According to MOZ, SEO is “the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results.” In layman’s terms, it’s how you get Google to find your website online.

That’s a lot of big talk, so here’s the basics you need to know about SEO. 

Update your meta descriptions. This is the snippet of text that appears under your page’s URL in Google’s search results. Optimizing this language will have an impact on your click-through-rate and can improve your Google rating. And it’s FREE to do!

Here are some tips:

  • Keep it short and sweet: the optimal length is 50-160 characters.
  • Stick to active, motivating language directed to an individual.
  • Use relevant keywords to help Google find your content based on search terms.
  • Try a tool like YOAST (a plugin you can install on your website) to help.

Fix Your H1’s.

An H1 tag is your website’s main content heading. Basically, the first thing that will grab someone’s attention when they step foot on your website. As a rule of thumb, you should only have one H1 tag. And it should stand out! This will help both Google and your users identify what your website is about.

Here are some tips on how to optimize your H1 tag:

  • Make it pop! Use a defined, large font
  • Include relevant keywords to increase the chances of being found in search results
  • Edit the rest of your content while you’re at it. Bold headlines across the board will help with the structure and readability of your website. An easier read makes for an easier sell.

Run a Content Audit.

Just like the IRS, you will want to weed out any weird-looking information. It may seem like a hassle, but it can help boost your credibility with Google.

If you don’t take away anything else from this post, just remember the golden rule. No, not the one your mom taught you in grade school. The marketing golden rule: Make Google Happy!

If you don’t take away anything else from this post, just remember the golden rule. No, not the one your mom taught you in grade school. The marketing golden rule: Make Google Happy!

Here’s a simple 2-step audit:

  1. Edit any duplicate, irrelevant or outdated content
  1. Consolidate similar posts into a single pillar post. A pillar post is a way for you to create a single page that includes all of the info on your website about that topic. It will be a hub where you can address, and back-link, to all of the discussions you offer on that particular topic. Doing this helps consolidate and organize your content as well as give your site credibility with Google.

 2. Run ads on social media

First off, if you don’t already have social media accounts for your business then stop right where you are and get those going! Specifically Facebook and Instagram. Not only can these medias increase your business presence, they also offer ad space. 

While paid advertising does cost you some of your budget, it is well worth the investment! Here are a few tips:

Ad Center.

Through your Facebook page, you have access to Ad Center. This easy-to-use tool will help you set up ad campaigns that specifically targets your chosen audience. You have full control so you can choose how much to spend.

Boosted Posts.

Another budget-friendly feature is creating boosted posts. With this tool, you can boost an existing post to reach an even more concentrated audience. You get to choose your audience demographics, duration, and budget.

That means that no matter your budget, $10 or $100,000, you can make an impact!

Quality Content.

The last thing we will say about social media ads is that if you’re going to use them, make them count.

Here are a few tips to help make the biggest impact on your audience:

  • Promote engaging content 
  • Use a clear Call To Action
  • Don’t be overly salesy – social media is there to help build community so don’t scare anyone off!

3. It’s all about the people: Optimize Your Website.

Optimizing your website probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think marketing tactics, but it can make a difference in the buyer’s decision! 

Think of it this way: your website is like the front door of your business. It’s often the first interaction a potential audience has with your brand, so it’s important that the user experience is intuitive and meaningful. 

Here are a couple of things to consider when optimizing your website:

Be Clear and Concise.

It’s easy to get caught up in cutes-y language, but if it’s not blatantly obvious what your customer is supposed to do, they won’t do it. 

When you look at your website, ask yourself these questions:

  • Does it make sense? Your audience should know what you offer at first glance.
  • Do I have too much or not enough copy? People don’t read websites, they scan them. Make sure your copy is clear and concise. You can even use pictures!
  • Is there a clear Call-To-Action? Make it easy for your audience to take the next step. Repeat your CTA multiple times on your website.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind when redesigning or refreshing your website.

Get Those Emails.

Another cheap, yet effective element your website should include is a way to collect contact info from your audience. Specifically the coveted email.

Email marketing is FREE!!!

Include some type of form or a lead carrot that provides value. From there you can drive your audience down a buyer funnel. Next thing you know, your sales will be through the roof!

Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. With just a few simple changes, you can see a big impact on your sales. Need a little more guidance? We can help you take your marketing to the next level. Schedule a free 30 minute consultation today!