If you have a small shop that manufactures things, you understand that every dollar counts, particularly when you’re talking about advertising. Expensive promotions involving production teams and big billboards are most likely out of the question. That doesn’t mean your brand can’t make an impression, however. It simply requires ingenuity, perseverance, and an understanding of where to focus your efforts.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-waitresses-with-portafilter-against-white-wall-4353591/
Below are five budget-friendly, effective marketing strategies that work—and won’t cut into your operating budget.
1. Make Your Team a Walking Billboard
Work uniforms may seem mundane, but listen. Branded workwear, hats, or aprons don’t simply dress your crew smartly, but they give your crew a sense that they belong to something real. Customers can tell when your tech arrives in a clean shirt sporting your logo. Vendors can, too. As your employees go out for lunch, the brand goes with them.
You don’t have to have a large budget—local screen printers and online stores can accommodate small runs at a fraction of the premium price. Keep it simple: logo, possibly a slogan, and contact information. With proper execution, it has a high impact with little effort.
2. Post Like A Human, Not A Brand
Many small businesses are stuck when it comes to social media. You don’t have a content team or studio setup. That’s okay—basically, people scroll over glossy advertisements anyway. What holds them back is real, gritty, behind-the-scenes material.
Take a brief smartphone video of the CNC machine operating. Take a picture of a newly completed part and tag the client (with permission). Post a time-lapse of your team preparing for a trade job. You’re not selling the part—you’re demonstrating your pride in the process. That’s what builds trust and credibility.
3. Welcome People In
No, we don’t take you to hang out on your factory floor. Small tours for customers, school groups, or locals for your business- yes, that is what you absolutely have to do! People enjoy seeing things being manufactured. And more than that, they enjoy being invited.
4. Leave Your Mark—Literally
Here’s one that most stores get wrong: service stickers. They may seem less important, but they’re one of the most effective things in your marketing arsenal.
Each and every time you work on or repair a machine, place a clean, imprinted sticker containing your company name, contact information, and possibly a QR code for scheduled servicing. It’s placing your business card in the correct location for eternity. Don’t discount the effectiveness of a nicely designed service sticker on each piece of equipment you install; it keeps your contact information at the forefront of your mind for repeat future business. Particularly when there’s trouble and your sticker is at the top of what they notice.
5. Brag a Bit—Then Keep Bragging
You’ve got happy customers. Perhaps ecstatic customers. Make use of it. Ask for a sentence or two after a job is completed—get a picture of the completed installation if you can. Share it, then. On your website, in a post, or in a brochure. Do it and post it in the lobby.
Marketing is not necessarily about being expensive or flashy. Sometimes, it’s as easy as being present regularly, sharing your story, and making it simple for people to recall you. Whether it’s a sticker on a unit, an Instagram post, or a logo on a tee—each little thing adds up.
