Getting clients and sales in a small business is completely different than in a large business. In a large business, you’re looking at branding and sales teams. In a small business, you’re looking for the one activity that can get you, profitable clients, the fastest.
What are some sure-fire ways small businesses can market their services effective? What kind of marketing tactics will generate results today, rather than having to wait months to pay off?
Business Networking International
Business Networking International, also known as BNI, is one of the largest organizations of professional lead sharing in the world.
Here’s how it works.
Let’s say in one BNI group there’s a graphic designer, a lawyer, a business consultant, a dentist, and a real estate agent.
If the business consultant meets a client who needs a lawyer, he refers them to his friend in BNI. If the graphic designer meets someone who needs a new website for a new business, he might refer them to the business consultant for advice.
So on and so forth. Essentially, BNI is a formal way of getting together and sharing leads. Anyone who is a professional in their field is invited, but each BNI branch can only have one person from each profession.
Get on Google Local
If you run a local business, pay attention to Google Local. Google Local will allow you to jump ahead of all the other organic search listings in Google and have your website display way at the top.
In addition to getting ranked in the organic listings, your business will also show up in Google Maps searches. For example, if someone types in “Dentist in San Francisco” in Google Maps, if you’re ranked in Google Local your result will show up.
In the age of Androids and iPhones, getting ranked in Google Maps is more important than ever. A lot of people are simply typing in search terms on their phones to find businesses near them.
Getting ranked in Google Local is all about optimizing your local page. Make sure to add ample photos to your page, write detailed information about your business, its hours and location, and put a link to your website.
Get as many people to review your business as you can. The more reviews your business has, the better your chances of getting ranked.
Start a Blog
There’s no better way to build credibility in an industry than to start a blog.
A blog allows you to express your thoughts to your audience, build a relationship and demonstrate your knowledge all at the same time.
Starting a blog is slow work in the beginning. You might only have a few visitors a month.
But over time, as people get to know you and your work more, people will keep coming back. Also, as you get more and more content on your blog, search engines will send more traffic to you.
Not only will starting a blog bring you traffic from people who’ve never heard of you before, but you’ll also increase your reputation among people who know you.


Finally, blogging is a great way to build connections. It positions you as an expert, which will get you more speaking opportunities, partnership opportunities and business opportunities in general.