Starting a business can feel really overwhelming, and finding clients can feel difficult when you’re getting started.

Whether you’re a gardener, web developer, restaurant, independent shop, nursey, or anything else, you may need some ideas to stand out and get seen!

But if you’re feeling like you’re chucking stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks, or trying to post on social media and not seeing any results, you’re not alone.

The good news?

There’s lots of ways to stand out as a new small business, far and beyond just posting on social media or paid ads.

Why not give yourself permission to get creative and get attention with some alternative marketing strategies which are perfect for new businesses?

Here’s some ideas you could try today!

These ideas are particularly well-suited to local service or retail based businesses serving their community.

Send handwritten notes

Great for: getting attention and generating new enquiries

People love handwritten stuff. In an age where digital competition is high, a handwritten note can really wow your potential clients.

I have personally generated six figures of work for a local gardening business from a simple handwritten card, plus a range of new enquiries for a local cleaning business.

You could:

• Write handwritten letters instead of e-mail pitches
• Add a handwritten element to a leaflet
• Recruit the help of companies who will handwrite your marketing campaigns for you (I freelance for one of them!)

Case study: I previously started an eco-friendly and vegan cleaning business based in Ely, Cambridgeshire, on a shoestring budget. I designed a professional-looking leaflet and included space on the back to write a personalised note. With a slightly achey hand, I then posted these in the surrounding streets of my house, generating a number of enquiries within just a few days and building a buzz around my new business.

Send personalised gifts or freebies that wow

Great for: wowing potential clients

Delight your customers, past, present and future, with freebies or personalised gifts to get your foot in the door and show you care.

This will allow you to strength relationships and stay top-of-mind with minimal effort. Sending can be automated or outsourced too, making it a high-impact investment.

Below are some example businesses and ideas for freebies:

• Cleaning business -> a branded phone screen cleaner or mini cloth with every leaflet you post
• Gardening business -> a free packet of seeds with every leaflet (I did this in my garden landscaping business and generated six figures of leads)
• Local shop -> scavenger hunt that encourages people to come and visit and get a free prize
• Travel agent -> mini bottle of branded suncream
• Web developer -> emergency website first-aid kit

Sponsor a local event or provide value in your community

Great for: increasing brand awareness and making connections

Find ways to offer value to your local community.

Some ideas could include:

• Sponsoring an event
• Seasonal items; e.g. why not donate some branded suncream to a local event?
• Donate a service or product to a local school raffle or charity event
• Offer a free service to a local charity

These are some great ways to build trust and visibility for your small business by showing up where is matters.

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Want a free Local Marketing Audit for your business?

• Audit your online presence (Google Business Profile, social media, website)
• Provide 3-5 quick wins in a Loom video

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NN Studio is a freelance marketing and business support agency based in Ely, Cambrigeshire. I specialise in supporting local businesses to get started and grow through organic marketing strategies.