The unfortunate reality of running a small business is that you cannot afford to go too big with your marketing and branding ambitions. You’re not a multinational corporation like Starbucks or McDonald’s; you cannot put the entire might of money marketing at your disposal. Instead, you’ve got to get creative. 
Intelligent business owners understand, though, that you don’t need the money as long as you’re smart about your ideas. It’s not the money that makes people stop and take notice, but something smaller. Just because it is smaller doesn’t mean it can’t bring massive recognition, though. 

Mini Marketing Machine

You can spend all the money you please on putting your business’s name up in lights and emblazoned across billboards. People will see them, sure, but eventually, they’ll start ignoring them. Instead, you can move in the other direction and go small. 
One excellent way to spread awareness in a way that people will notice, even if they don’t realize it, is to visit a website where you can buy machines to create badges for promotional events and similar merchandise. This passive and indirect marketing solution helps spread your name and purpose without spending money on ads that will eventually be removed from circulation. 

Appreciation

An excellent reputation is something that all companies want to build, and there are a few ways to do this. Unlike marketing options, reputation is not something you can purchase. It takes dedication and time. Every business owner knows it is not something you can develop overnight. 

One way to build this reputation is by showing appreciation to customers, clients, suppliers, and employees. Basically, everyone who works for or with your company. Without these people, your business would not be anywhere near what it is today, so let them know how grateful you are. 
You can give shout outs to employees who go above and beyond, you can engage clients and customers by treating them as real people, and you can frequently speak with suppliers who will give you discounts here and there. 

Cut Costs Here and There

Demonstrating your ability to not rely on big money options is another fantastic way to build the recognition you need that will get people to stop and notice your company.

Cutting costs is especially useful if you are starting a business, but it can also be beneficial for established small businesses, too. Consider analyzing your finances and discover where you can cut costs, such as with outsourcing customer support and payroll duties. 
With these adjustments, you can then focus funds elsewhere, especially on areas of the company that you’ve needed to keep too much investment away from until now. This investment can be put towards improving departments of the company that will guarantee growth sooner rather than later.

All Eyes on You

You may not have the money or even the resources to take on the Big Dogs of Business, but sometimes you don’t need to go big with your branding options. If you know how to play the game, you can make a big splash and get everyone to take notice without putting your finances at risk.