A lot of first-time entrepreneurs aren’t too sure how to go about effectively marketing their business. Fortunately, many take to social media as a way to promote their business, which is one of the most effective ways for marketing a business digitally. However, there are many other forms of digital marketing that are also just effective at promoting a business.

1: Website Creation

A business website is essential in today’s digital world— even if you don’t plan on selling your products online. The purpose of a business website is to provide as much information as possible to your current and potential customers. Another purpose it serves is to help drive organic traffic to your website.

With a business website, you’ll be able to use SEO (search engine optimization) strategies to help your website rank higher on search engines. This is done by using certain keywords on your website (words and phrases that people are likely to use in their searches). Your site ranking in a higher slot on a search engine like Google makes it more likely for potential customers to choose your business for their needs.

Some business websites double up as online stores. If yours does not have this feature yet, supplement your website and generate revenue by adding an online store to your site. This can also serve as a catalog of your products or services. Find the best online store platforms, and discover what works for you.

2: Social Media

Again, many first-time entrepreneurs already use social media to promote their business. However, some use their personal social media pages for this. While this is okay to do every now and then, you should still have a separate social media account for your business. Facebook will actually allow you to create a business page, owned by your personal page, so you won’t have to create a separate account.

All of the top social media platforms have business tools at your disposal so that you can effectively market your business. When you’re just starting out with social media marketing, it’s okay to try out multiple platforms. However, once you’ve discovered which platform shows the most engagement you’ll know where to put the majority of your efforts.

3: Paid Advertising

When you’re just starting out, this may not sound like a viable option. However, paid advertising is another effective form of digital marketing. A common technique, known as PPC (pay per click) places an ad to your website on popular blogs and in the top slots on search engines. You can also pay for ads on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to help promote your business.

4: Networking

It’s important to network to increase brand recognition. One of the best ways to network today is on the job search/networking and social media platform LinkedIn. It’s not just a place for posting job openings— although this may be a useful resource for you in the future— but LinkedIn can also help you grow your business. You’ll also be able to:

• Build brand awareness
• Create relationships with current and future customers
• Grow your professional network

Networking events, such as trade shows, are also something to look into. Although there is the potential to meet with potential customers, these events are also good for educating yourself as a new business owner. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with and learn from other successful business owners. This will help you grow in your business and as an entrepreneur.

5: Custom Promotional Items

The best way to get your business out there is by literally getting it out there, and promotional items are something to consider. Businesses, especially new small businesses, can benefit from placing their logo on certain promotional items and selling them alongside your regular merchandise or giving them away as a free gift with (or without) a purchase. The promotional item that you choose should be related to your business, such as water bottles for fitness companies. Some promotional items can work for just about any kind of company, such as:

• Stress toys
• Coffee mugs
• T-shirts
• Hats
• Keychains

Promotional items help promote customer loyalty, as well as provide you with some additional marketing. Your most loyal customers will love promotional items from your brand, and they’ll also be happy to mention your company to their friends and family members. 

If you’re unfamiliar with website creation, digital marketing strategies, and promotional items, you can always hire a professional. Promoting your business can cost money, but any type of investment in your business will cost something— but it’s an investment that will pay off. Just remember to put the most effort into the strategies that work the best for your type of business because this is how you’ll get a better return on your investment.