A number of experts agree that remaining relevant to customers during a recession is important to retaining their business down the line.
Whether they see your company logo on the web, on branded clothing at a tradeshow or even on a social networking site online, customers are reminded of your product or service.
Given the limited resources many businesses are struggling with in today's economy, marketing can remain effective on a shoestring budget say some industry insiders.
According to an article in PROFIT Magazine, businesses can leverage a number of free or inexpensive resources to build a successful marketing campaign.
Use an electronically distributed newsletter to connect with your clients, says the magazine. The newsletter gives business owners an informal way to share news and discounts with customers and connect with them on a more personal level.
A number of sources cite the importance of customer service and relationship management as a way to build brand loyalty.
Seeking out free labour - like interns - is another way business owners can increase resources, according to PROFIT. College students are typically looking for summer programs to help build their resume and with some training can help update a website or even help write a company blog.
Jonathan Weber, co-founder of media company New West, says in an article on The Big Money's Making Payroll that interns and other young adults at the company are often valuable tech-savvy resources that can help promote the brand using new media in lieu of a marketing team.
Let anyone in the company with a penchant for sending messages on Twitter help develop the company's presence on the increasingly popular micro-blog, says Weber. Twitter, although somewhat different from a traditional marketing strategy, is a cost effective way companies are reaching out to consumers.
A number of big businesses like Comcast and online-only retailers like Zappos use Twitter for customer service and general customer interaction.
Small businesses that do not have a permanent location - like a mobile food operation - have started using Twitter to let customers know where they will be on any given day.
By combining inexpensive tech resources and a social communication passion of any number of employees, small businesses are reaching an increasing number of customers with the company message.
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