In today's world, regardless of the market they're in, every business is looking for THE marketing idea that will give them a leg up over their competition and send their sales soaring. Unfortunately, most of the time the companies winning are the ones that throw the most money at their campaign. However, in recent years, due in no small part to the rise of the internet, smaller businesses have been learning how to level the playing field with the giants of their industry with some savvy, creative marketing strategies.

Here, we go over 5 low-budget marketing ideas that will work for any business regardless of size or income;

1. Publish Great Content

The importance of this can't be stressed enough. First and foremost, if you aren't giving people a valid reason to visit your website, they won't come. Simple as that. Start a blog page on your site and write about relevant subjects - you'll find that if you make creating and sharing the content your number 1 priority, the customers will come rolling in. 

2. Utilise Social Networking To The Fullest Extent

In the present day, social media has become a hugely important part of every businesses' marketing strategy. The unparalleled demand for social networking services has led to their development into the highly complex collection of websites that are frequented by billions of users each day. The end result being that businesses are now more than ever able to connect directly with their customers seamlessly and in real time. If you build a network of like minded people in the same industry, you'll find a wealth of new business opportunities appear.

Try to engage with people on social media - instead of just posting your sales graphics with a link to your website, convince people to get involved and become a part of your network.

3. Promotional Give-A-Ways

Promotional products certainly aren't a new marketing tactic, but nor are they an over-used or out-dated one. Promotional products have multiple uses and leave a greater impression and more lasting image on the recipient than a web ad, email campaign or leaflet.  There is a more personal connection made when you give a customer something to take away - they feel like they've had a good outcome by receiving something for no charge. Something like a custom printed silicone wristband is cheap and effective - easy to give to a customer, printed with your name and logo on an eye-catching silicone colour, and popular for people to wear - just like festival wristbands. Silicone keyrings are also a great idea - especially for those in the automotive industry. You can attach them to a customer's keys when returning their vehicle - people are unlikely to remove keyrings due to the hassle involved, and so your company's name is constantly with them - and will be with them when they need to contact you the most.

Silicone wristbands are great for any cause - musicians, bands, event organisers, local businesses, marketing firms or the new energetic start-up looking to make a great first impression on their industry peers.

Braided silicone wristbands are offered exclusively by Promo-Bands.co.uk - moulded in the shape of the popular braided wristbands in special moulds. These are an unusual variation of the normal silicone wristband and so will be more likely to be kept by the recipient - you can print on the flat area on the front of the band, including your company name, logo, url or a QR code linked to your website!

4. Host Events or Classes In Your Local Area

Hosting seminars, classes and tutorials in your area could really boost your stock with the local community - and you may run into a few business opportunities along the way. Specialise in graphic design? Host a course to teach local people the basics. Excel at marketing? Host a marketing course for start-ups. Run a factory? Give the local community a tour (as long as it's safe).

If you give to your local community, they will give back to you. Engaging the general public is a mutually beneficial action that will also help you to develop more positive thinking techniques to apply in business.

5. Implement a Customer Referrals Program

This might take a little bit of time and preparation as well as a few adjustments to your website, but creating a customer referrals' program can help your business in untold ways, especially if you deal primarily with the general public. Offer customers money off of their next order or free items if they refer people to you - this can be a lethally effective technique if you do the maths correctly.