Advertising Your New Business in Bath: 10 Tips

Starting a new business is an exciting yet challenging time. You have a great product or service to offer, but how do you get the word out and attract customers? Advertising is key, but promoting a new business on a limited budget can be tricky.

Bath is a vibrant city with a strong community spirit. It's popular with tourists and shoppers alike, who enjoy the Georgian architecture, Thermae Spa, shopping and more. For a new business launching in Bath, there is lots of potential to tap into the bustling local market. You just need to know how to advertise effectively with limited resources.

Follow these ten tips to stretch your advertising budget and successfully promote your new Bath business:

1. Focus on Your Audience

The first step is identifying your target audience. Are you selling products to young professionals, families, university students, tourists or another group? Once you pinpoint your ideal customers, you can tailor your messaging and choose cost-effective platforms to reach them.

Research where your audience spends time both online and around town. A dance studio might advertise in magazines at hotels and B&Bs, while a craft brewery could get the word out through Facebook groups for locals. Make sure your advertising is placed where it will be seen by those most likely to buy.

2. Leverage Local Resources

Take advantage of free or low-cost local marketing channels. Get listed in Bath directories like Visit Bath and local business groups. Ask to put up flyers or business cards at coffee shops, gyms, community centres and anywhere else frequented by your target market.

Pitch yourself as a new local business and ask to be featured on community calendars, blogs, radio shows or other outlets. Bath has a thriving community of entrepreneurs who are often happy to support new ventures. Tap into this spirit of collaboration.

3. Be Active on Social Media

In addition to paid ads, use social media organically to raise awareness. Craft posts showcasing your products, storefront or grand opening. Share photos and videos that give followers a behind-the-scenes look at your business. Interact with local Facebook groups, reply to tweets about Bath, and use relevant hashtags to insert yourself into the conversation. Be sure to emphasise your local roots. Social media is one of the most affordable ways to get the word out.

4. Use Catchy Advertising Slogans

Along with great visuals, advertising slogans help a brand stick in people's minds. Come up with a short, punchy phrase that captures what makes your business special. Use alliteration, rhyming, humour, or other creative tactics.

A lighting store's slogan could be "Brighten up your home!” A doggy daycare might use “Give your pup oodles of fun!" Test out options with local focus groups before finalising your slogan. An unforgettable phrase helps advertisements resonate.

5. Run Local Contests or Promotions

Everyone loves a deal! Offer opening discounts, contests, giveaways or other special promotions to attract attention and build local buzz. You could offer 20% off for residents, free products for the first 50 customers, a contest for locals to name your mascot or similar engaging ideas.

Promote these on social media, in your storefront, local papers and community websites. Consider partnering with other local businesses - for example, "Show your receipt from Jane's Bakery and get 10% off your first purchase." A creative promotion can pique local interest.

6. Cultivate Word of Mouth

Satisfied customers are one of the best marketing tools. Provide exceptional service and products so people have a memorable experience and are eager to tell friends. Train your staff to send customers off with a smile, saying, "Be sure to spread the word!"

Incentivise referrals by offering discounts for bringing in first-time customers. Launch a "Bring a Friend Friday" promotion. Roll out the red carpet for influencers and bloggers in town. Delivering on your promise will organically grow referrals.

7. Sponsor Local Teams or Events

Make your business a fixture in the community by sponsoring local sports teams, events or fundraisers. You could provide jerseys for the community football club, donate prizes for a charity raffle, or have a booth at the farmer's market.

Even sponsoring modest teams or events elevates awareness and exposes your business to new audiences. Bonus points if you can attend games, shake hands, and directly interact with residents.

8. Partner with Complementary Businesses

Collaborating with other local businesses can be a win-win. Ask coffee shops if they will display your brochures at the counter. See if the local athleisure store will stock your protein bars at their register. Inquire whether you can put coupons in take-out bags at restaurants.

Offer discounts to employees of nearby businesses. Partnerships help cross-promote to aligned audiences. Make it beneficial for other businesses to spread the word about you.

9. Launch a Grassroots Campaign

Start small by going door-to-door on local high streets, introducing yourself and handing out coupons. You can also hire brand ambassadors to spread the word about your launch. Arm them with talking points and plenty of collateral. A grassroots local campaign creates buzz and a personal touch. Ambassadors could hold signs, dress in costumes, or find other fun ways to capture attention. Getting out into the community directly connects with potential customers.

10. Advertise in Local Publications

While digital marketing is crucial, don't overlook local print, TV, and radio. Many people still get news and information via traditional channels. Strategically place ads in newspapers, local magazines, pamphlets, parish newsletters, or anywhere read by your audience.

Local radio ads can make your business top-of-mind during commuting hours. See if you can score an interview on community radio or morning television. Combining grassroots local channels with your digital strategy is powerful.

Key Takeaways

Launching a new business in Bath provides amazing opportunities to engage with the thriving local community. By blending paid advertising with grassroots local marketing, partnerships, events, and an active social media presence, you can build buzz even on a tight budget.

Remember to tailor your campaigns specifically to your Bath audience. Network with local business leaders, sponsor community happenings, and cultivate word of mouth. Soon, Bath residents will be proudly supporting and raving about your exciting new local business venture. With some creative thinking and tenacity, you can successfully get the word out. Now get out there - Bath is ready to embrace your latest offering!