As the back-to-school season approaches, small businesses have a prime opportunity to attract shoppers and boost sales. However, not all businesses have the budget for large-scale marketing campaigns. 

The good news is that there are plenty of cost-effective strategies that can help you make the most of this busy time of year. Our Denver marketing consulting team is here to share some budget-friendly marketing ideas to help you attract back-to-school shoppers without breaking the bank.

Back-to-school marketing strategies

Leverage free tools

One of the best ways to keep marketing costs low is by taking advantage of free tools available online. Here are a few to consider:

• Google My Business — Ensure your business is listed on Google My Business. This free tool allows you to manage your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. A complete and accurate listing can help improve your local SEO and attract nearby shoppers.

• Canva — Create eye-catching graphics for your social media posts, emails and website using Canva. This free design tool offers a range of templates and design elements that can make your marketing materials look professional.

• Hootsuite — Manage your social media accounts and schedule posts in advance with Hootsuite’s free plan. This can help you maintain a consistent presence on social media without spending hours each day posting content.

Harness the power of social media

Social media is a powerful and cost-effective way to reach your audience. Here’s how to make the most of it during the back-to-school season:

• Run contests and giveaways — Encourage engagement by running contests or giveaways related to back-to-school. Ask followers to share a post, tag friends or submit their own content for a chance to win a prize. This can help increase your reach and attract new followers.

• Share user-generated content — Encourage your customers to share photos or stories about their back-to-school purchases from your store. Repost their content on your social media channels to build a sense of community and trust.

• Use hashtags — Make use of relevant hashtags like #BackToSchool, #BTS and #SchoolShopping to increase the visibility of your posts. Join in on trending conversations to boost your engagement.

Engage with your local community

Building strong relationships within your local community can be a highly effective and budget-friendly marketing strategy. Here are some ideas:

• Partner with local schools — Collaborate with local schools to sponsor events, provide supplies or offer discounts to students and teachers. This not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also demonstrates your commitment to the community.

• Host events — Organize back-to-school events such as supply drives, workshops or meet-and-greets with local teachers and parents. Promote these events through local media and your social channels to attract attendees.

• Join local groups and networks — Get involved with local business groups, chambers of commerce and neighborhood associations. Networking with other local business owners can lead to collaborative marketing efforts and increased exposure.

Optimize email marketing

Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to reach your audience. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Segment your list — Divide your email list into segments based on customer interests, demographics or past purchase behavior. This allows you to send more targeted and relevant content, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

• Offer exclusive deals — Send out special promotions and discounts exclusively to your email subscribers. This can help drive sales and reward your loyal customers.

• Share valuable content — Provide your subscribers with useful tips, guides and checklists for back-to-school preparation. This positions your business as a helpful resource and keeps your audience engaged.

Hire one of the best Denver marketing consulting firms!

Marketing on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness. By leveraging free tools, harnessing the power of social media, engaging with your local community and optimizing your email marketing, you can create a successful back-to-school marketing campaign without overspending. At Denver Media Group, we’re dedicated to helping small businesses thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your marketing efforts and drive success this back-to-school season.