How to build a big online reputation on a small budget

While the reality of your marketing budget may not mesh with the scale of the dreams you have for your small business, there is some good news: thanks to advances in digital marketing, there is an array of ways to make small investments (such as just your time) provide a good return. 3Cube Property Solutions takes a deep dive into how small marketing budgets can yield big results if used correctly. To do this, we're going to touch on three strategies that can put your business on a growth trajectory.

1. Create a Google Business Profile
2. Post and engage on social media
3. Publish content that stands out

Create a Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective marketing strategies out there for small local businesses and the best news is that it's free. Your only investment will be the time required to set up your profile and maintain it. Having this profile active means that your business will show up on Google Maps and in local Google searches when people search for your business. If correctly optimised, your Google Business Profile shares a wealth of information with prospective clients. This includes basic information like your location, Google reviews and updates from your business. To set up your Google Business Profile, you need to verify ownership of your business through your Google Business Account. Once that's done, it's a simple but time-consuming matter of keeping your profile up to date by posting updates, responding to reviews and answering questions.

Post and engage on social media

Your brand needs to have a presence on an array of social networks, depending on your target market and goals. From Facebook, X and Instagram to LinkedIn, Tiktok and Snapchat, you'll need to select which networks are most important for your brand. For example, if you're marketing to millennials, Facebook may be your best option. If your target market is teenagers, Snapchat is likely to be your top priority.

It's not enough to just be present on these social networks: you need to have a strategy in place for content creation, regular posting and engaging with your followers. The secret to social media success lies in consistency, creativity and strategic thinking. If your budget allows, you can run adverts on social media to help put your business in the spotlight.

Publish content that stands out

There are many reasons why your website should have a blog. It gives you an opportunity to share company or industry news with your customers and it's an ideal way to let people know that you're an expert in your industry! There are three golden rules for blogging:

• Be consistent. No one will take your blog seriously if it was last updated a year ago. Ensure that your blog is updated with fresh content at least once a month.
• Be different. Provide your readers with information that they can't find anywhere else on the internet. This could include, for example, your CEO's take on the latest industry developments, information about a bespoke product or service that you offer or a behind-the-scenes look at how your production processes work. If your blog contains rich content (infographics, images and videos), it is even more likely to gain traction for your business.
• Be relevant. Provide information that your target market will be interested in. For example, if your business manufactures children's toys, you could blog about general topics around raising children, fun activities and things to do during the holidays. You could even branch out into child-friendly recipes, education news or stages of development. Articles about interior décor, real estate news or economic matters will not help to build your reputation as a trusted authority on children's toys.

If a Google Business profile, strong social media and a robust content strategy are the keys to marketing your business on a budget, then having the right premises is the key to your operational and overall success. Contact 3Cube Property Solutions if you're looking for commercial, industrial or retail space in Gauteng or the Western Cape.