1. Develop a Strong Brand Identity

Your brand is more than just a logo—it's the perception Contestants have of your small business. A strong brand identity includes:

• A recognizable logo and color scheme
• A consistent brand voice and messaging
• A mission statement that resonates with your audience

🔹 Case Study: Local coffee shop Bean & Brew rebranded with a new logo, color palette, and social media campaign, increasing foot traffic by 30% in three months.

2. Optimize Your Website for SEO

A well-optimized website helps potential customers find your small business when they search online.

• Use keywords like "best bakery in [your city]" to rank locally
• Ensure your site is mobile-friendly for better user experience; this is also known as a responsive website (meaning it can detect different browser types such as mobile, tablet or desktop)
• Publish blog content answering frequently asked (FAQ) questions

🔹 Expert Insight: According to SEO specialist Brian Dean, "Google rewards businesses that provide value through high-quality content and great user experience."

3. Leverage Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms help small businesses connect with customers and promote products.

• Use Instagram and SnapChat for visual storytelling
• Engage with followers through polls, giveaways, and Q&A sessions
• Invest in Facebook and Instagram ads for targeted reach

🔹 Trending Now: Small businesses are benefiting from Instagram's algorithm, which prioritizes engaging, authentic content over follower count. A viral post can skyrocket brand visibility overnight.

🔹 Case Study: Easy Street Burgers saw a 300% increase in sales after a viral IG video which featured their signature burger.

4. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing remains one of the highest ROI strategies for small businesses.

• Offer a discount for email sign-ups
• Send personalized recommendations based on customer preferences
• Use an email automation tool to maintain consistency; CliquePrize® has partnered with HelloLeads to provide this capability at a low cost

🔹 Example: A local pet shop increased repeat purchases by 40% after implementing a monthly email newsletter with exclusive discounts.

5. Manage Your Google Business Profile

Local customers search for small businesses near them. Improve local visibility by:

• Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile
• Encouraging customer reviews on Google and Yelp
• Adding location-based keywords to your website

🔹 Stat: 76% of people who search for a local small business on their phone visit within a day. (Source: Google)

6. Host Giveaways & Contests on CliquePrize®

Running giveaways and video contests boosts engagement and attracts new customers.

• Require iPhone local Contestants to Enter to Win in One-Click using CliquePrize®; over 65% of all US cell phone owners have an iPhone
• Ask them to follow, like, and share your promotion on their own social media accounts
• Partner with other local small businesses for cross-promotion; for example, offer a co-branded or co-sponsored prize
• Offer a free prize worth winning

🔹 Case Study: A local boutique fitness studio gained 1000 new leads in a week after hosting a free membership giveaway on CliquePrize®

7. Engage in Influencer & UGC Marketing

User-generated content (UGC) and influencer partnerships help build credibility and expand your reach.

• Partner with local influencers to promote your products or services
• Encourage customers to share videos, such as reviews, on social media or perhaps a video contest on CliquePrize®
• Run a UGC video contest on CliquePrize®

🔹 Trending Now: Many small businesses are thriving by partnering with micro-influencers (1,000-50,000 followers), who often have highly engaged niche audiences.

8. Run Paid Advertising Campaigns

Paid ads help small businesses reach new customers quickly. Digital Media, CliquePrize®'s in-house digital marketing agency, can help promote your CliquePrize® giveaway with paid media.

• Google Ads drive traffic from search results.
• Facebook & Instagram Ads target specific demographics.
• Retargeting ads bring back visitors who didn’t convert.

🔹 Example: A handmade jewelry brand increased CliquePrize® Giveaway registrants by 150% after launching a $1000 Facebook ad campaign targeting engaged couples

9. Focus on Customer Retention & Loyalty Programs

Acquiring new customers is important, but retaining them is even more valuable.

• Offer loyalty rewards (e.g., discounts, exclusive perks); CliquePrize® has a Rewards Points program whereby each Contestant is rewarded with 1 (ONE) Rewards point for every giveaway they enter as well as additional point for every valid Contestant account they refer
• Use personalized offers based on past purchases
• Provide exceptional customer service to encourage repeat business

🔹 Stat: Returning customers spend 67% more than new customers. (Source: Bain & Company)

10. Plan for Seasonal Marketing Strategies

Adjust your marketing efforts based on seasonal trends and holidays.

• Offer holiday discounts and promotions (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas).
• Tap into seasonal themes (e.g., summer sales, back-to-school deals).
• Prepare for off-peak seasons by focusing on brand awareness.

🔹 Case Study: A toy store saw a 45% revenue boost after running an early Black Friday promotion with an exclusive email-only discount.

How CliquePrize® Helps with Small Business Marketing

CliquePrize® makes it easy for Sponsors to engage Contestants and generate leads through digital marketing strategies.

✔️ Video Contests for Market Research & Brand Awareness

• Run Sponsor-Generated Contests to test different marketing messages
• Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC) to leverage customer creativity
• Offer a FREE Prize to Contestants who vote as well as has the best video (as determined by the voters)

✔️ Giveaways & Sweepstakes for Lead Generation

• Each CliquePrize® giveaway automatically yields a local leads list including first name, last name, email, mobile and zip; you can purchase these leads at $1/record optionally following the promotion; you will never pay for the same record twice
• Steal customers from your competitors with a geo-targeted mobile banner campaign that advertises your CliquePrize® giveaway simply because the Contestant physically entered your competitors location

✔️ Event Registration & Raffles for In-Person Events

• Host product launch events with easy sign-ups
• Use QR codes for seamless ticketing, event registration and attendance tracking as well as prize distribution
• Increase attendance with instant text to win incentives

Small business marketing requires a mix of digital strategies, local engagement, and customer-centric promotions. By leveraging tools like CliquePrize®, small businesses can attract new customers, boost engagement, and drive sales effectively.

🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Download the CliquePrize® app and create a FREE Sponsor Account today!

CliquePrize®*** is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know!***