Keeping up with marketing trends is crucial for small and mid-sized businesses to remain competitive and relevant in a fast-changing marketplace. Trends like human-driven AI use, short-form video content, and sustainability resonate with modern consumers, helping businesses build stronger connections and trust. BIG DEAL Company is proud to already be using all of these predicted trends with our clients.

Short-Form Video Reigns
 
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Reels, and YouTube will remain popular for short-form videos. Creative, bite-sized content that quickly grabs attention will be key to engaging audiences surrounded by marketing content on social media. Generational targeting will remain essential in determining which video platforms best suit your audience, which is why we sit down with each new client to determine which social media platforms will get the highest return on investment.
 
Personalization of AI Tools
 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be central to marketing strategies, enabling quick research, efficient content creation, and optimized ad creation – when used correctly. While AI excels at streamlining operations, personalizing content, and handling repetitive tasks, it lacks the human ability to empathize and connect emotionally, and it lacks the knowledge you and your marketing team have about your business – why we NEVER recommend our clients use purely AI-generated blogs or social posts.
 
Human oversight in AI-driven interactions and content is essential for accuracy and emotional connection. This balance helps build trust and loyalty, as customers are more likely to engage with businesses that prioritize genuine content and interactions over purely automated writing.
 
Focus on Sustainability and Transparency
 
Ethical and sustainable practices will appeal to eco-conscious consumers. We not only prioritize sustainability in our event planning services but prioritize it in our personal lives. Community support is one of our team’s core values, which is why we volunteer, donate, and market for nonprofits as individuals and as a company. We partner our marketing initiatives with local nonprofits to cross-promote causes while increasing visibility for our clients.
 
Transparency about data usage, AI-generated content, and business values will become critical for building trust and loyalty with audiences.
 
Micro-Influencer Partnerships
 
Collaborating with micro- and nano-influencers will remain a cost-effective way to reach niche, engaged audiences authentically. BIG DEAL Company consistently takes advantage of our connections throughout northern Colorado to get our clients’ content in front of a larger audience, by cross-posting relevant content on company pages, sharing content and events to local groups, and shouting out our clients on our business pages, newsletters, and website.
 
Zero-Click Content
 
Businesses will increasingly use social media to provide valuable, engaging content directly on platforms, avoiding clicks to external sites. Engagement is lost with each click, which is why we strive to provide relevant information directly on social media through screenshot-able infographics and action buttons to initiate a phone call, send an email, or purchase a product without leaving your social feed.

​Omnichannel Marketing Experiences
 
Integrating online and offline touchpoints will provide cohesive customer journeys, leveraging data from both to enhance experiences. We collect data from our clients’ social media pages, websites, and in-person events to guide future marketing efforts. And, while online marketing is a large part of our business, we find there is no substitute for a conversation at a local chamber event or a holiday gift delivered to a prospective partner.
 
Conversational Search Optimization
 
Businesses should optimize content for conversational queries and emphasize local keywords to capture nearby customers, which is why we take a human approach (considering, “what would I type if I was searching for this content?”) to determine keywords for our clients’ blogs and web page content.
 
Soundless and Visual-First Ads
 
In the overwhelming social media world of auto-play ads clogging up news feeds, silent ads with emphasis on visuals and closed captions are making a comeback. Ads that get your point across without sound also enable you to capture your audience’s attention in environments where sound isn’t feasible, like a waiting room or workplace.
 
Generational Targeting
 
As always, generational targeting is essential to get the content we create with you in front of the right people. Tailoring channels and strategies to different age groups (e.g., Gen Z prefers TikTok, and Millennials like email campaigns) ensures we direct your message to those most likely to complete your call to action, whether that’s a purchase, a donation, or a post share. 

Long-Form Content Resurgence
 
While short-form still dominates social media, in-depth articles and videos will remain essential for storytelling and expertise. Blogs, podcasts, and events offer opportunities for long-term attention from your audience.
 
In-depth articles, infographics, or guides are particularly effective in nurturing leads, as they address customer pain points in detail and educate them on solutions, moving them further down the sales funnel. For businesses where being an industry expert is essential, long-form content also provides depth, authority, and increased value to audiences.
​
Contracting Is The New Workforce
The shift towards project-based work structures in various industries encourages the use of contract help. This trend has been increasing significantly in the US. Businesses prefer to assemble teams with diverse skills for specific projects, fostering innovation and efficiency. (Source: Forbes, "The Rise Of The Gig Economy And Why It's Different This Time")

Having a dedicated marketing team that actively monitors and adapts to these emerging trends ensures your business not only meets current consumer expectations but also anticipates future shifts. With the right team and tools, you can turn these trends into opportunities for stronger engagement, higher conversions, and sustained success.

Contact BIG DEAL Company now for a tailored marketing plan that suits your small business needs and budget - from a dedicated contract partner. 

Many small businesses suffer from a black-and-white idea of marketing.  They either try to do it themselves or feel like they have to pay a big agency to manage it for them.  BIG DEAL Company is here to add some color and support with marketing for small businesses.  We’re offering up ten of the top tools that can help small-scale businesses thrive.
 
1. Canva: This tool is great for creating graphics, social media posts, and marketing materials with ease and is relatively user-friendly. 

• Pros:
  • Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface for designing.
  • Offers pre-made templates for social media, presentations, flyers, and more.
  • Affordable and includes a free plan.
  • Collaborative features for team use.

• Cons:
  • Limited customization compared to more advanced design tools.
  • The free version lacks access to premium assets and features.
  • Not ideal for complex graphic design projects.

 
 2. Mailchimp: Use Mailchimp if you’re looking for the ideal way to build email marketing campaigns, newsletters, and automation for your small businesses.

• Pros:
  • Free tier available for small mailing lists.
  • User-friendly email automation and campaign management.
  • Integrates with e-commerce and CRM platforms.
  • Detailed analytics for tracking email performance.

• Cons:
  • Pricing can get steep as your email list grows.
  • Limited design flexibility for email templates.
  • Customer support for free plans can be slow.

3. Google Analytics: Google Analytics provides invaluable insights into website traffic, visitor behavior, and performance metrics.  It can be a little bit tricky to learn at first but is well worth it.
 

• Pros:
  • Completely free with in-depth website traffic data.
  • Customizable reports and dashboards.
  • Tracks visitor behavior, acquisition sources, and conversions.
  • Integrates with Google Ads and other platforms.

• Cons:
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Data privacy and concerns with certain user-tracking features.
  • Can be overwhelming with too much data if not properly configured.

  
4. Hootsuite: This helpful little tool helps to manage and schedule social media posts across multiple platforms from one dashboard.

• Pros:
  • Manages multiple social media accounts from one platform.
  • Supports post-scheduling, analytics, and social listening.
  • Customizable dashboards for tracking key metrics.
  • Collaborative features for teams.

• Cons:
  • Can be pricey, especially for businesses with multiple users.
  • Limited features on the free plan.
  • The interface can feel cluttered and slow at times.

 
5. Buffer: Another excellent tool for scheduling social media posts and analyzing their performance.

• Pros:
  • Simple and intuitive interface for scheduling social media posts.
  • Offers an easy way to analyze post-engagement and performance.
  • Affordable pricing plans with a free tier.
  • Integrates with most social platforms.

• Cons:
  • Limited advanced features compared to competitors like Hootsuite.
  • Analytics are more basic and require a higher-tier plan for detailed insights.
  • Scheduling Instagram posts requires manual intervention for free users.

 
6. WordPress: This versatile platform is for building websites and blogs, offering many plugins for SEO and content management.

• Pros:
  • Highly customizable with a wide range of themes and plugins.
  • Great for content management (blogs, portfolios, e-commerce).
  • SEO-friendly with plugins like Yoast SEO.
  • Open-source, with a large community for support.

• Cons:
  • Can be complicated for beginners without tech experience.
  • Requires ongoing maintenance (updates, backups).
  • Some themes and plugins can slow down site performance.

  
7. Trello: This is a helpful tool to organize tasks and projects with boards, lists, and cards, and is ideal for collaborative marketing efforts.

• Pros:
  • Simple, visual project management with boards, lists, and cards.
  • Ideal for organizing tasks and tracking progress.
  • The free plan offers plenty of features for small teams.
  • Easy collaboration with real-time updates and sharing options.

• Cons:
  • Limited features for advanced project management (compared to tools like Asana).
  • Can become cluttered with too many cards and lists.
  • No native time-tracking or advanced reporting tools.

​8. HubSpot CRM: A great program if you’re looking to manage customer relationships, track interactions, and automate marketing tasks.

• Pros:
  • The free version includes CRM, email tracking, and meeting scheduling.
  • Provides a unified platform for managing customer relationships and marketing efforts.
  • Automation features to streamline tasks like emails and follow-ups.
  • Scalable with premium add-ons for growing businesses.

• Cons:
  • Paid features can get expensive for small businesses.
  • Complex interface with a learning curve for beginners.
  • Some limitations in email automation for the free plan.

  
9. SurveyMonkey: If you want to learn more about your audience consider this program that conducts surveys to gather customer feedback and insights, aiding in market research.

• Pros:
  • Easy to create, distribute, and analyze surveys.
  • Provides valuable feedback and insights for market research.
  • Customizable surveys with a variety of question types.
  • Free tier available with basic features.

• Cons:
  • The free plan limits the number of questions and responses.
  • Custom branding requires a paid plan.
  • Higher-tier plans can be costly for advanced features like data export.

 
10. Google My Business: This is an essential tool for local businesses to manage their online presence, including maps, reviews, and search visibility.

• Pros:
  • Free to use and essential for local SEO and search visibility.
  • Helps manage reviews, business information, and map presence.
  • Improves local customer engagement and search rankings.
  • Detailed insights on how people find and interact with your business.

• Cons:
  • Requires constant updates and monitoring to maintain accurate information.
  • Managing reviews can be time-consuming, especially if dealing with negative feedback.
  • Limited control over the appearance of your business listing.

 
BIG DEAL Company has mastered all of these tools and more, blending our expertise with a deep understanding of small businesses’ unique challenges. By harnessing the power of innovative platforms like Canva, Mailchimp, and Google My Business, BIG DEAL takes the stress out of marketing and adds vibrant, effective strategies.
 
Whether you’re just starting or growing your business, BIG DEAL is here to bring your marketing out of black and white and into full color, helping you thrive without the sense of overwhelmingness from doing it alone or having to rely on large, faceless agencies. We understand small businesses because we are one too!
 
Follow us on social media - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest - and sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools that can drive your mission forward! Together, let’s make a big difference!

7 Effective (and Affordable) Marketing Tips for Nonprofits on a Budget

Marketing your nonprofit’s mission can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re working within a tight, or sometimes, non-existent budget. However, with a strategic approach, even limited resources can provide great results.
 
Big Deal Company has pulled together some practical tips and tricks to help your nonprofit effectively market your cause without breaking the bank.
 
1.    Know Your Audience
The foundation of successful marketing is knowing who you are speaking to. Are you targeting potential clients, donors, or businesses? Each audience has different motivations and needs, so it’s imperative that you tailor your messages accordingly.

• Potential Clients are seeking solutions or services
• Donors want to see the impact of their contribution and how they can be part of the story.
• Businesses may be interested in partnerships, corporate social responsibility (CSR), or sponsorship opportunities

 
2.    Use Donor-Centric Language
When marketing to donors, make THEM the hero of the story. Use “YOU” language to show how their contribution makes a difference. For example, instead of saying, “Our organization provides food to families in need,” say, “YOU can provide food to families in need by supporting this mission.” This makes the donor feel personally involved in creating change.

3.    Leverage Social Media for Free Promotion
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer free tools that can help you reach a larger audience. Focus on:

• Storytelling: Share success stories, images, and videos that showcase your impact
• Engagement: Regularly interact with your followers through comments, polls, and questions to build a community around your cause

               It’s also important to take note of where your audiences spend their time. Perhaps your supporters are from a younger generation. If so, you may consider creating and maintaining an organizational TikTok or YouTube Channel to best reach your target audience.
 
4.    Collaborate with Local Influencers, Organizations, and Volunteers
Reach out to local influencers, groups, community leaders, or even businesses that align with your cause. They can amplify your message by sharing it with their networks. Similarly, dedicated volunteers can help spread the word and even assist with event organization or marketing efforts. Big Deal Company always creates an event or campaign Media Kit that can easily be distributed to Board Members or organizational ambassadors so they can help spread the word!

5.    Create an Email Newsletter
Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to communicate directly with your audience. Use newsletters to:

• Share upcoming events or achievements
• Tell compelling stories about the people or causes you support
• Offer opportunities for supporters to get involved.

               It is important to share consistent communication. Build a communication calendar to plan out when your organization communicates with your readers. Readers will start to anticipate your emails when you provide dependable and consistent communications.
 
6.    Utilize Free Tools and Resources
There are a plethora of free or low-cost marketing tools that can help you get the job done efficiently:

• Canva: For creating eye-catching graphics and videos
• Mailchimp: For easy-to-craft email marketing campaigns
• Google for Nonprofits: Offers free access to Google Ads to promote your cause to a wider audience

 
7.    Host Virtual or Low-Lift Events
Events don’t have to be expensive to be impactful. Consider hosting a virtual event, such as a live stream or webinar, which can be more budget-friendly than an in-person gathering. Invite supporters to join for free and encourage donations or sponsorships during the event.

BONUS:
8. Enlist a contractor, such at BIG DEAL Company to take on these important pieces. Rather than hire a full-time staff member, our team of experts can support you in an variety of ways, and work with your budget!

​Big Deal Company Can Help
At Big Deal Company, we understand the challenges nonprofits face when it comes to marketing on a budget. Our team is dedicated to helping you develop affordable marketing strategies, organize impactful events, and communicate your mission effectively. We’re here to ensure that your message reaches the right audience and generates meaningful support and funds for your cause.
 
Ready to grow your nonprofit’s impact? Contact Big Deal Company today to explore how we can help with your marketing efforts.

Marketing Trend 2024: Why Video is a MUST-HAVE for Impactful Marketing
Video is no longer just a “nice-to-have” in marketing - it’s an essential tool for making a lasting impression.
Download our FREE printable with the details below!

BIG DEAL Company was proud to be a part of the City of Loveland's, "Small Business, Big Summer" promotion. The goal of the promotion was to increase visibility to the small business community to customers and other businesses, forging new relationships with community partners and increased community awareness about all the awesome places to shop in Loveland! 

This promotion came with some great numbers (and we love numbers!)

• 306 raffle entries submitted from shoppers
• 262 visits to the website with our listed businesses
• 52 participating Loveland businesses
• 12 raffle prizes donated by thoughtful participants  
• 5 community partnerships supporting outreach efforts (Downtown Development Authority, Visit Loveland, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Business Development Center)

For BIG DEAL, we care that we contribute to the success of others and to the cities we live in. Thank you to all who make this program possible and supported it this summer!

​It’s so easy to get caught up in your same old routine when it comes to your marketing strategy.  BIG DEAL Company is always keeping an eye out for whatever the next big thing is.  Shake it up with this list of 2024’s list of projected hot marketing trends.

Two words…video content! - Video continues to dominate online content. Consider including video content in your marketing strategy, such as product demos, tutorials, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes.
 
Embrace the future – Let’s face it, artificial intelligence (AI) is our future and honestly, learning to use it can save you time and frustration.  Use AI to enhance customer interactions, automate routine tasks, provide instant customer support, and gather valuable data for marketing insights.
 
Interact with your audience – Capture the attention of your customers and clients with interactive content like polls, quizzes, and surveys.  Not only is it fun for them, but it also provides you with valuable data.
 
Go green - Consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental and social issues. Highlight your company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
 
Give ‘em what they want - Tailor your marketing messages to individual preferences and behaviors. Leverage your data analytics and automations (like Google Analytics) to create personalized experiences that speak to their preferences.
 
Good old customer experience - Customer experience remains a key differentiator. Prioritize seamless, user-friendly experiences across all touchpoints (check out our Website Health Check Blog for a few tips) to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Up your local SEO and micro-moments game - Optimize your online presence for local searches, as consumers increasingly rely on their mobile devices for quick, location-based information during micro-moments.
 
User-Generated Content – Not all businesses need or can get user-generated content, but if it fits your model, it can be a highly impactful way to tell your story.  User-generated content can build trust and authenticity while expanding your reach.
 
As you dive into the new year, consider diving into new ways to grow your marketing plan.  Be prepared to adapt strategies to your specific industry, target audience, and business goals. Regularly assess the performance of your marketing efforts and be prepared to make changes based on evolving trends and consumer trends.  BIG DEAL Company is here to help you through the jungle of marketing and we’re just a click away.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Generating Referrals for Small Businesses

In the realm of marketing, nothing beats the power of a glowing recommendation from a satisfied customer. Word-of-mouth marketing is an age-old practice that remains one of the most effective strategies for generating referrals and boosting business growth for small enterprises. People overwhelmingly trust word-of-mouth referrals from their peers. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and provide actionable tips for generating referrals for your small business.
 
Why is word-of-mouth marketing so powerful?

In a word: trust. Consumers tend to trust recommendations from people they know more than traditional advertisements. When someone recommends your business, it carries inherent credibility. In a Nielsen study, 83% of people said they trust word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members, and another 92% trust word-of-mouth recommendations more than any other method of advertising.
 
Word-of-mouth-marketing (or WOMM) is essentially free, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to promote your business. In addition, your satisfied customers can potentially reach a broader audience than you might through traditional marketing efforts, speaking with people who are not usually part of your marketing audience.
 
Positive recommendations also have a long-lasting effect on your business, as people remember and value personal referrals. Word continues to spread long after the initial recommendation, fostering your business’s community prestige and creating an enduring reputation.

​How can I generate word-of-mouth referrals for my small business?
 
Let’s delve into some strategies that small businesses can employ to generate referrals and maximize their impact:
 
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
 
Happy customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. When you provide a positive, memorable, and/or unique experience, you’re setting the stage for effective word-of-mouth recommendations from your customers.
 
Encourage Reviews and Testimonials
 
Reviews and testimonials are a form of unpaid advertising that, when used effectively, is more productive than the majority of paid advertisement. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific review sites. Showcase your rave reviews on your website, on social media, and in marketing materials you send to prospective customers.
 
Leverage Social Media
 
Social media can be another source of testimonials in the form of user-generated content – content that is created by a user or customer rather than by your marketing team. Encourage your audience to share their experiences, then broadcast their feedback to reach a wider audience and build trust and credibility in your business.
 
Implement a Referral Program
 
A structured referral program formally incentivizes your satisfied customers to bring in new business. Referral programs offer benefits to happy customers, such as gift cards to your business, freebies, or discounts on services or products, in exchange for bringing new customers to you. These customers are more valuable than a new customer who walks in off the street, because your referring client has already laid the foundation of trust and the expectation of a positive experience.

Network and Collaborate
 
Collaborate with other local businesses and professionals, and attend networking events. Establishing partnerships with complementary businesses can lead to partnerships and mutual referrals. Business owners who have had positive personal interactions with you are much more likely to recommend your business to their customers.
 
Use Storytelling
 
As we discussed last month, storytelling is a powerful tool for eliciting an emotional response from your customers and potential customers. Share your business journey and success stories with your audience. People love hearing about the passion and dedication behind a small business. An engaging narrative can inspire others to support and recommend your brand.
 
Engage with Customer Feedback
 
Regularly monitor online reviews and customer feedback. Promote the positive, and address any negative comments professionally and promptly (but after you’ve allowed some time for your initial emotional response to wear off). Demonstrating your commitment to resolving issues can turn a review around and transform a dissatisfied customer into a loyal advocate. Even when that fails, others will see your response as a testament to your dedication to your business and desire to create positive experiences for your customers.
 
Word-of-mouth marketing holds immense potential for small businesses. By focusing on delivering exceptional customer experiences, encouraging reviews and referrals, and leveraging social media and networking opportunities, you can harness the power of word-of-mouth to grow your business organically and sustainably. A happy customer can be your best marketing asset, and nurturing those relationships can pave the way for a successful and thriving business.
 
When you hire BIG DEAL Company for small business marketing, you gain a built-in partnership. We’ll refer your business to our clients and network of other small businesses and promote your company across our social media network. Start building word-of-mouth today with our experienced marketing team.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.