Branding

Small Business Branding & Marketing Tips on a budget

Social Media Marketing has changed the way small businesses can get an online presence at a relatively low cost. 

Social Media is is one of the most powerful marketing tools to keep your brand in front of existing and potential customers. 

If you are marketing on a budget there are many things you can do to help your small business get out there.

We at Millfield Media have done all of the ideas listed below and it has helped us grow. 

Small Business Marketing tips

  • First and foremost, register for a Google my Business account, This will help you get on the “map” and enable local people to find you. This is an amazing FREE tool that when optimised properly can see you show up in the maps and help with ranking in the searches. 
  • We offer 1:1 Google My Business Training Masterclass to help you to do this. 
  • Join the Federation of Small Business  (FSB) for their amazing networking events. We go to the Networking events in Newcastle, they are like minded businesses. You also you get a lot of privileges for your membership fee
  • Run a competition or giveaway either on Facebook or Instagram
  • Use your car to advertise your business (Magnet decals that can be taken off)
  • Stickers on your envelopes or packages you send out is a cheap alternative to get your brand seen. 
  • Design a brochure or leaflet to advertise your goods and services. We can offer some cheap alternatives that are good quality but affordable.
  • If you are a beautician or hairdresser, give appointment cards to all your customers with a loyalty discount on the back.
  • Promotional merchandise are a great giveaways if your attending an exhibition, such as mugs, calendars, flyers, stickers, pens
  • Have you thought about entering some awards in your field, or as a SME start up. The FSB and Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start.
  • Register in reputable trade directories (Yell.com, YELP,)
  • Offer a discount to new customers
  • Radio advertising is quite powerful and not as expensive as you think for local radio stations
  • Blog on your website 
  • Do a flyer drop locally
  • If you have premises put an A- Frame outside your shop to market your special offers or menus. 
  • Social media posts are a great way of advertising to engage your customers and let them see your offers. If you are unsure we can help with Social Media Training and Infographics. 
  • Collaborate with another small business to help each other and enhance your services.
  • Attending Networking events 
  • Go to exhibitions or trade shows
  • Send all correspondence on  business letterheads or compliments slips 
  • Send a postcard as a thank you with the product you have sold
  • Offer FREE samples of your product
  • Have a web presence. Your customers will check your business out on Google first. Even a one page website tells your customers more about you if you are on a budget and starts from £325 with domain name and hosting. If you have a bit more in the budget a 5 page brochure website is £575. 
  • Ask for recommendations’ from customers on LinkedIn, Facebook or your website
  • Create posters if you have a shop to put on your windows
  • Enrol for FREE training with local partners who have obtained European Funding such as Business Northumberland. They help businesses grow providing workshops, online training and networking events to help 
  • Create memorable business cards to leave a lasting impression 

Social Media Marketing is ideal if you are Marketing on a budget.

 

If you would like help or advice with any printing or design needs, social media training delivered on zoom please get in touch 

Personalised Business Stationery

Think about your Personalised Business Stationery as a marketing asset. 

Whether your businesses is large or small it is an excellent way to get your brand in front of your customers for a relatively low cost. 

It is a fantastic marketing tool to ensure your brand identity stays in your clients minds. 

Personalised Stationery is an affordable solution to help you to achieve brand identity and a professional look.  

Your logo, colours, fonts and design all contribute to your professional branding and will keep your business and corporate identity in the minds of your customers. 

It helps people to recognise a brand.

Think of Virgin or Coca Cola who are the market leaders in brand consistency and you will understand how they are easily recognisable. 

Your Business Card is a good starting point and a  valuable asset to give out to potential clients or if you deliver goods add it to their order.

A free giveaway such as bookmarks are also a cheap but good quality alternative for your customers and less likely to be thrown away.  

Letterheads  and Compliment Slips are an absolute must if you send out correspondence.

Firsty they are really cost effective and secondly it shows you are a professional company.  

They will save you money on printing inks and costs in the long run.

If you are in the construction or engineering business then our  NCR Pads or Invoice Books are a must.

They are an easy way to make duplicate or triplicate copies without using the old dated carbon paper.

They are so versatile they can be used for Receipt Books and work forms, delivery notes, permit to work or waste transfer forms and so much more for a variety of jobs in different industries. .

Particularly ideal if your business needs  instant multiple copies of a particular form.

A fantastic time saving option for your business.

Whether you are a large or small business they are a valuable asset.

Business Stationery will ensure that your business looks more professional and help you stand out from your competitors. 

If you send out parcels, think about some custom stickers or labels for that personal touch.

Its a nice thank you to your customers for their order.

Sending out professional letterheads and compliment slips will help you to get your brand recognised.

5 Things All Company Letterheads Need to Include By Law

You must include your company’s name on all company documents, publicity and letters.

On business letters, order forms and websites, you must show:

  • the company’s registered number
  • its registered office address
  • where the company is registered (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland)
  • the fact that it’s a limited company (usually by spelling out the company’s full name including ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’)

If you want to include directors’ names, you must list all of them.

Invoices

You must clearly display the word ‘invoice’ on the document. You must include:

  • A unique identification number
  • Your company name, address and contact information
  • The company name and address of the customer you’re invoicing
  • A clear description of what you’re charging for
  • The date the goods or service were provided (supply date)
  • The date of the invoice
  • The amount(s) being charged
  • VAT amount if applicable
  • The total amount owed

Sole trader invoices

If you’re a sole trader, the invoice must also include:

  • your name and any business name being used
  • an address where any legal documents can be delivered to you if you are using a business name

Limited company invoices

If your company is a limited company, you must include the full company name as it appears on the certificate of incorporation.

If you decide to put names of your directors on your invoices, you must include the names of all directors

VAT invoices

You must include VAT invoices if you and your customer are VAT registered.

These include more information than non-VAT invoices.

Maybe you would also like branded envelope printing  or printed postal boxes, which is another fantastic opportunity to keep your brand is consistent. 

Would you like us to help your business achieve a more professional look at an affordable cost ?

We would love to hear from you. We also do Wedding Stationery too..  

Please contact us for a FREE no obligation quotation

7 Best Business Card colours and their meanings

Business Cards that will get you noticed

How many different types of business cards have you had since your career started ?

At Millfield Media Print and Design we change our cards on a regular basis which is understandable because of the industry we are in.

Showcasing different business card paper is a must for us, as there are so many options for business card printing because of the different finishes and quality of paper.

Different colours react with different designs and paper types.

Your business card is a talking point and an important stepping stone to a potential client or collaborate.

Whether you are a business owner, an entrepreneur or starting a new job/career it’s a very important choice.

You have to remember it’s a first impression of who you are and the brand that you represent.

Creating an amazing business card is not as easy as you think.

Sometimes, you simply haven´t got the time which is why Graphic Design is integral to the process and a Designer can help you bring out your ideas.

Think to yourself how many business cards you have been given. 

How many have actually stood out and been memorable for whatever reason ?

Hold that thought ! Did you feel  “ooh this looks and feels fantastic”, and if not why not ?

If your card looks just like everyone else’s card, then chances are you have probably failed and you’re in the bin too.

So, in our opinion it is worth the time and effort to create an amazing Business Card Design.

Business Cards design that will get people talking 

Thinking about the colour, design and the texture will ensure you have a talking point that will catch people’s eyes, grab their attention and create a talking point.

Images are also a good way to get noticed, either a photo or an illustration or design if that’s your line of work.

Although white is standard, safe and used by many to fit into their business stationery and is an easy option. This is fine but to stand out choose a logo and colour for your brand that will distinguish you from all the others in your field.

Black and White signifies importance. Nike, BMW, Apple, Disney and Harley Davidson are the brand leaders in this field.

Do you want to make an amazing impression and to stand out from the crowd ?

Then we suggest that you try something really special and strengthen your brand credibility by adding silver or gold foiling or a Spot UV to your card which will give a wow factor and create a talking point.

Deciding where you put your logo is an crucial and another element to consider is the white space which is linked to sophistication .. less is more.

Business Card colours – what do they mean ?

Red is bold, daring and exciting so the market leaders that spring to mind are Virgin, Lego, Coca-cola, Nintendo, Red Bull.

Orange is confident, friendly and warm you think Fanta, MasterCard.

Blue is the signifies reliability, peaceful, confidence, and trust. NHS, Facebook, Twitter, Intel and Skype spring to mind as the leaders in this field.

Pink is usually for feminine, symbolising sensitivity and love.. Barbie and Victoria´s secret are brands that use pink

Yellow is sunshine, bright, happy and cheerful – Mcdonalds, Ikea, Post-it, Shell and Snapchat are a few that have opted for this colour.

Green represents balance, growth and nature. BP, Holiday Inn for example.

Purple cards suggest imagination, dreams and spirituality. People from the holistic sector usually prefer this colour. Cadbury and Hallmark are brands that spring to mind for this colour choice.

Now think about the shape, everyone has a rectangle, standard UK business card sizes are 55 x 85 , why? because they fit into a purse or wallet easily, but you want to be different right ?

Although Standard business card sizes tend to be a bit cheaper why not think about dye cut, square or mini business cards which will bring a different element to your design?

The shape of your business card should complement your brand and your business card maker can help you to achieve this.

Every detail from fonts/typography, which includes spacing between letters are an important factor to consider, do you go funky, traditional or elegant? Again, think of the message and your brand and choose wisely to compliment this.

Make sure the contact details are there relaying your key message, less is more.

They should be easy for people to contact you. Proof read all the time to check for spelling, phone numbers etc and then save in a format that is compatible for your printer.

Choosing the right colour for your business card then combining with a specific paper choice can mean you either stand out from the crowd or your card will just be put in a drawer and forgotten about.

We suggest you go for something different, perhaps a gloss, Spot UV or perhaps a decadent Foil finish,

Now you have got your colour and paper choice sorted … think about the shape !

Everyone has a rectangle business card because it is the standard size, why ? because they fit into a purse or wallet easily.

Standard business card sizes tend to be a bit cheaper why not think about dye cut, square or mini business cards which will bring a different element to your design ?

The shape and style of your business card should complement your brand.

Every detail from fonts/typography, which includes spacing between letters are an important factor to consider.

Do you go funky, traditional or elegant ? Again think of the message and your brand and choose wisely to compliment this.

Making sure all your contact details are there relaying your key message.

Proof read your Business Card all the time to check for spelling, phone numbers etc and then save in a format that is compatible for your printer.

So to recap, choose the right colour to compliment your brand, combine with a specific paper finish and shape to help you stand out from the crowd.

Millfield Media have a 5* customer service reputation for business card printing in Northumberland, offering a wide range of solutions, finishes and prices.

Whether you’re looking for business cards on a budget or premium quality business cards, Millfield Media can design and print a business card to suit your needs or budget.

We are happy to take on any project, regardless of size, so whether you need 100 business cards or 10,000 business cards, we will be more than happy to help.

If you are in search of cheap business cards in Northumberland or any part of the UK it is FREE delivery . We offer Small Business a branding offer. So if you are looking for cost-effective advertising and want to make a excellent first impression contact us now for a quote 

Why not order one of our business card sample pack to help you decide. Or contact me for a discussion direct on millfieldmedia@outlook.com

Colours for Business Cards

Contact us to discuss how we can help your business today.

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