1. Start a Blog
Blogging is an important content marketing tool that allows creatives to promote their businesses for free. You can start a blog that provides insightful advice, tools, and resources based on your niche. This drives organic traffic to your website. You can also invite guest contributors and ask them to promote their articles on their platforms. This would allow you to expand your reach. Guest blogging on other websites can establish you as an expert in your field and build the ‘know, like, and trust’ factor with your target audience.
You can also extend the lifespan of your blog content by repurposing them in different formats such as infographics and social media graphics. A little content goes a long way.
2. Create YouTube Video Content
Content does not have to be written. Video content can boost your marketing efforts significantly. A 2017 study by HubSpot Research indicated that over 50% of consumers want to see video content from brands.
Therefore, creating YouTube videos can be a useful tactic to implement as a creative business owner. This not only creates an intimate connection with your audience but also attracts visitors to your website.
3. Start A Podcast
Do you have a unique perspective on issues facing your niche? Then why not start a podcast? A podcast allows you to build a loyal following who may become clients and help boost your business. Remember what I said about repurposing content? You can take your blog posts and turn them into podcast topics. This extends your message’s reach. Sharing your insights and ideas on your podcast goes a long way in developing your brand and personal reputation. You can be invited as a guest on another podcasted related to your niche because of the exposure gained through sharing your voice and telling your story. This extends your visibility and builds your brand.
4. Create A Webinar Series
Have you ever thought about what you can teach your audience? Webinars are perfect ways to offer value to your ideal clients and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Your target audience wants to hear and learn from you. They want to understand the value you bring to the table. This increases the chance that they will consider purchasing your products and services.
Webinars are also excellent lead-generation magnets. They allow you to collect an email list filled with interested prospects that you can take through a sales funnel. Remember to offer increasing value with each email. At the end of the funnel, you should have converted a percentage of your webinar attendees into customers and your revenue.
5. Establish a Social Media Presence
Yes, content is king. However, you need to consider how to distribute your content to maximize its reach and achieve your marketing goals. Establishing a social media presence in the platforms your target audience frequent is another useful means of marketing your creative business without breaking the bank. Social media posts, stories, and live video drive audience engagement and help build your brand. You can also share user-generated content on your social media accounts where possible. This deepens the connection between your brand and your audience. Social media marketing enables you to interact with your audience. This authentic engagement creates a sense of community around your brand.
6. Develop an SEO Strategy
According to Neil Patel, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is “the process of optimizing your online content so that a search engine likes to show it as a top result for searches of a certain keyword”.
An SEO strategy begins by understanding what your ideal client is searching for online. Use tools such as Google Trends, Google Ads Keyword Planner, and Ubersuggest to conduct keyword research. It is then your responsibility as a creative to write compelling keyword-optimized content that not only answers your site visitor’s query but also is worthy of being shared and cited. These off-page links extend your content’s reach and amplify your brand’s voice. Link building is an essential component of an SEO strategy. Therefore, create a plan to have your content shared across multiple channels.
7. Run Collaborative Giveaways
Co-branded giveaways with another highly regarded creative business is a great way to increase brand awareness and build your brand’s reputation. This introduces you to a new and much larger audience than you would have on your own and gain new followers.
Always ensure that your brand partner aligns with your values and targets a similar audience. The collaborative giveaway should be beneficial to all parties involved.
8. Create Online Directory Listings
Eighty per cent of internet users in the United States use search engines to find local businesses.
Listing your business online makes it discoverable to potential customers who may not know about you but are interested in the type of creative service you provide. It also makes it easier to contact you.
Google is one of the first places consumers go to find out about products and services. Creating a Google My Business listing lets you connect and engage with prospects for free. Your Google My Business listing may very well be the first point of contact with potential customers.
Facebook is not only a social media platform. It can also act as a business directory. Creating a free Facebook business page is another way to list your services and update potential customers about your creative business.
9. Community Engagement Activities
Hosting an event that benefits your local community is a great way to market yourself offline. This marketing tactic is an effective means of enhancing your brand’s reputation. You can also form authentic connections with potential customers within your community by sharing your story and showing them you genuinely care about their needs. Offering your services to a worthwhile cause enables you to gain more visibility. You can position your brand as the go-to for your type of creative product or service.
Marketing yourself as a creative does not have to cost a fortune. You have lots of options to increase your brand’s visibility and connect with your target audience. Content marketing (blogging, YouTube videos, webinars, podcasts), social media marketing, SEO, giveaways, directory listings, and engaging with your local community are all possibilities for creatives on a tight budget. Choosing the right mix depends on your target audience and your business and marketing goals. You need to determine if you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads and sales, grow your audience, increase engagement, or increase web traffic.