I’m often asked, “What’s the best marketing for small companies like ours?” It’s a great question, and one that I’ve heard many times from solopreneurs and business owners who are just hitting six figures or multiple six figures.
Well, if you are a solopreneur or hitting six or multiple six figures, the marketing style required for your business may differ from the kinds of marketing used by big corporations.
Here’s the thing: marketing for small companies doesn’t need to involve spend thousands of dollars on Facebook ads or invest in flashy TV commercials to grow your business. Instead, you need to get really clear on what’s already working for you—and do more of that.
So let’s break it down and explore how to simplify your marketing efforts while maximizing your results.
Watch this video to learn about the best marketing for small companies:
Start With What Worked in the Beginning
One of the best ways to find a marketing strategy that works is to look back at what helped you grow your business in the first place.
Think about it: How did you land your very first clients? What strategies felt natural and brought in results early on? Chances are, those approaches are still valid today.
When it comes to marketing for small companies, there are four main categories I focus on, that I teach to our members here at Boldheart. The best way to approach marketing is to choose the styles that align most with your natural strengths, so you can play to what you do best.
1. Voice and Communication
Perhaps you have an extroverted personality—you love to talk, communicate, and share your ideas through your voice. Maybe you’re already speaking on stages, doing lots of videos, or have a presence on social media.
I’m always looking at doing more of what works and leveraging that. So, if communicating by voice is what comes naturally to you, this is going to be your marketing sweet spot.
So, lean into that. Consider hosting webinars, starting a podcast, or creating a regular video series where you can share your insights. If this is your forte, then this type of marketing is going to bring in the most clients.
2. Writing
Perhaps you’re someone who loves to write. If putting words on a page energizes you, this is the marketing area to focus on. Blogs, newsletters, and even eBooks can be fantastic tools to attract clients who resonate with your message.
The key is consistency. If writing is your strength, make it a regular part of your marketing plan. Publish blog posts that showcase your expertise, or craft email campaigns that connect with your audience on a deeper level.
3. Word-of-Mouth Marketing
For many small businesses, word-of-mouth referrals are a major driver of growth. But instead of waiting for referrals to roll in, you can create a system around it.
Creating systems will ensure that consistently—every week, every month, every year—different and new people are finding you because of the measures you’ve put in place.
How? Start by asking your happy clients to recommend you to others. You could even create a formal referral program with incentives to encourage people to spread the word about your business.
This approach takes something that’s already working for you and turns it into a reliable, scalable process.
4. Networking and Connecting
Finally, maybe you are a natural networker, a connector, someone who loves building relationships. If that’s the case, consider turning up the volume on your networking activities.
Think about ways to connect with others, whether it’s over coffee, at events, or by hosting gatherings.
When you’re a connector, your greatest strength lies in creating meaningful relationships. The more you lean into your networking abilities, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.
The Secret to Marketing for Small Companies: Do Less, Better
Here’s what I’m trying to say: when marketing for small companies, we’re often told we need to do all the things—post on every social platform, run ads, create content, and more. But not everything comes naturally to us, so that approach may leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Instead, think about the marketing styles you used in the beginning to build up your business. I want you to focus on just one or two of the four categories I’ve shared with you—choose the ones that feel most natural and aligned with your strengths, and then, turn up the volume on those activities.
By focusing on what works for you and doing more of it, you can attract clients with ease.
So, take a moment to reflect on your business. What strategies brought you success in the beginning? Which of the four categories—voice, writing, word-of-mouth, and networking—feel most natural to you?
When you identify your strengths and leverage them, you’ll find that marketing becomes less about hard work, and more about connecting with the right people in the right way.
