How to Market Computer Services on a Budget

When thinking about how to market computer services, it would be tempting to just shell out money and buy a bunch of ads.

There are two problems with this approach: First, most small IT consulting businesses don’t have lots of money to spend on advertising; second, throwing money at ads is not the most efficient marketing technique.

Turn the lemon of low marketing dollars into lemonade by developing marketing techniques that will land you a better, and broader, client base.

An article by Laura Lake, a Marketing Guide on Marketing.About.Com, offers valuable tips to market a small business on a budget:

Co-Advertise with Your Vendors or Associates

You’re both seeking the same customer base, and you’re not in direct competition.

If your services are complementary, all the better. When considering how to market computer services, always keep in mind vendors and associates. Often, small technology providers pair up with small accounting firms for all kinds of marketing partnerships.

Send Referrals to Your Existing Customers

Asking for referrals is a high-return method of marketing.

If you also take the time to seek out potential referrals for your customers and their businesses, they are likely to return the favor.

Call Your Local Newspaper and Talk to the Business Editor

Many newspapers will run small spotlights on new businesses or existing local businesses. Don’t neglect this type of free advertising. Also, your local newspaper may be open to having you pen a guest column on tech tips for small business owners.

When learning how to market computer services, many find it challenging to develop these skills.

But following these tips will help you not only market your business, but build solid relationships.

The key to longevity will be in those relationships, so start working on them now. If you have some tips for how to market computer services on a budget, please add them in the comments section below.

To continue with the ideas introduced in this post, be sure to download the free special report on the Top 10 IT Marketing Strategies for Consistently Attracting New Business Clients to Your Small IT Business.

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