As a small business, the most cost-effective way of marketing your business is online. So one of the first things you should do when your start your business is look at what the most effective online marketing strategies for your business are.

As a small business, you aren’t going to have a huge marketing budget, but that’s okay. With online marketing, you won’t need it. Start small and as you see the benefits to your business grow, then so can your campaigns.

Build a mailing list

For example, you could start with something as simple as an email marketing campaign. Start by compiling a list of email addresses. These can be customers who have already bought from you, or customers you think would be interested in your goods and services. Make sure the content you send them is relevant.

It might be a special offer or a discount, or it might be a newsletter sharing expertise on the product you provide. Make it a goal to get feedback from your customers, find out what they want from you and react to their requests. Personalise your mailings, if possible, and give customers the option to unsubscribe. No one likes being spammed.

Get your business on the Internet

A website is a central focus for any online marketing strategy, so it’s something you should really consider investing in. A simple website shouldn’t cost much. You might even try building one yourself. But generally, the most expertise you can afford, the more benefits you will gain.

Business directories are better than ever

Once your website is up-and-running, you need people to visit it. There are many ways to do this, but as a small business, you’ll be looking for the most cost-effective and that is by using an online business directory.

Online business directories are much more effective than their printed counterparts as they are accessible by millions of people all over the world. Some companies will even use Search Engine Optimisation to make sure you perform better than your competitors in search engine rankings, meaning prospective customers find you first. Try OgBit.com, for example.

Every Internet user is a potential customer

You know you’re an expert in what you do. Make sure potential customers know that too. Joining relevant online chatrooms and forums costs nothing. Posting regular information shows that you know what you are talking about and will influence other chatroom posters to find out more about you and what you do.

Here’s one final thing to consider when it come to your online marketing strategy. Too many small businesses make the mistake of seeing marketing as a task to be done every quarter or every six months. But, to get the most from your online marketing, it’s something you should be doing continually.

Keep a close eye on your campaigns and how they’re performing. Don’t be afraid to dump any that are not delivering results and focus on those that are.

When it comes to online marketing, there’s always something else you can be doing to improve your campaigns and derive more benefit for your business. With a solid online marketing strategy, your business won’t be small for long.

Keith Barrett writes on a wide range of business and online marketing issues. He also advises many businesses on improving their search engine positioning.