Back in December 2016 we posted an article called 3 Ways to Market Small Businesses.  Since then we have been thinking about more inventive and alternative ways to market your business. These examples should be used in conjunction with a decent website and social media strategy.

Offer training

If you are to be seen as an expert in your area of business then you have to start shouting about it.  You can do this firstly by sharing tips via your blog and social media.  However the next step is a bit more involved, why not offer training.

We have delved into training in the past but more recently we have been working with Katy Potts (Computing and E-safety Lead for Children’s Services in Islington) on various projects including a school’s online reputation management, advice for the London Grid for Learning and talking to the Islington Youth Council about Twitter best practice.  Off the back of this, we have been invited to speak at London Grid for Learning’s Managing your school’s social media presence training session.  Training will bring you many rewards such as bringing exposure to your business but also improving your own skills and knowledge.

Volunteering

As Virtual Assistants we are used to supporting small businesses and can’t say no to any organising project.  That is why, for the past 3 years we have been volunteering in our community to put on local events.

However, you don’t have to go as far as we do to get recognition in your local area.  You could volunteer your time or skill to help with an aspect of an event (designing a logo, taking photographs, running a stall etc), donate an item for a tombola (we’ve often donated free social media consultations for example) or even a sum of money to help put on the event.

Whichever way you help these events, the organisers will be eternally grateful to you and will sing your praises on their website, social media and in their brochure.  It’s a win-win situation.

Awards

Can your business enter an award? Many London businesses are eligible for the Time Out Love London Awards, and winning can literally change your life.  We are very lucky in Muswell Hill to have 2016 Best Loved Shop Cheeses.  Owner Morgan McGlynn is now the resident cheese expert on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

Other award-winning businesses in Muswell Hill include Travelwise and Kay & Kompany.

We’d also like to say congratulation to MEB the Motor Centre which was recently a finalist in the UK Blog Awards.

If you are a small business looking to attract new customers then we’d love to hear from you.  Red Desk offer social media strategy, brand exploration and social media training.