Marketing in a Recession: Low-Cost Strategies That Work

Jul 14

As a multi-six figure digital marketing agency founder, I've seen businesses struggle during economic downturns. But here's the thing: you don't have to pause your marketing efforts just because times are tough. In fact, now's the perfect time to get creative and leverage the free tools at your fingertips. Let's dive into some budget-friendly ways to keep your brand seen, heard, and talked about online.

Focus on Organic Content

First things first, lean into the tools you already have available. We're talking posts, stories, Reels, carousels, engagement, polls, and links. Don't underestimate the power of these free features!

Posts: Remind your audience you're still here, kicking goals. Share images of your products, your business, or even just text-based graphics.
Stories: Show the behind-the-scenes of your business. Be raw, be authentic. Remember, they disappear after 24 hours, so it's a low-pressure way to engage.
Reels: These are absolute gold for expanding your reach. And guess what? You don't even need to show your face! Screen recordings with text overlays can work wonders.
Carousels: Give your audience a reason to swipe. Share interesting facts, behind-the-scenes info, or a step-by-step guide.
Engagement: Don't just post and ghost. Get out there and actively engage with your audience and other accounts. It's a two-way street, people!

Leverage UGC and Collaborations

User-generated content and collaborations are your best friends during a recession. They provide authentic promotion and help you reach new audiences. Consider webinars, product collaborations (not giveaways - that's a whole other conversation), or simply getting others to speak about your business.

Show Your Value

In tough times, people are more careful with their spending. Your job is to remind them why your product or service is worth it. Don't just talk about what your offering is - focus on the impact it will have on your ideal client's life. Will it improve their mental or physical wellbeing? Save them money in the long run? Make their life easier? That's what you need to communicate.

Embrace Video Content

I can't stress this enough - video content is king right now. Whether it's Reels, IGTV, or even TikTok, video helps your audience connect with you on a deeper level. And remember, it doesn't have to be polished or perfect. Authenticity trumps perfection every time.

Engage, Engage, Engage

Stop ignoring people and start conversations! Respond to comments, reply to DMs, and reach out to accounts you'd love to connect with. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, so don't be afraid to slide into those DMs (in a non-salesy way, of course).

Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy

Last but not least, keep an eye on what's working and what's not. Review your efforts every 3 months and make changes based on your findings. Remember, this is a long game - you're building an empire, not just making a quick buck!

The Bottom Line

Marketing during a recession doesn't have to be scary or expensive. With a bit of creativity and consistency, you can keep your brand thriving even in tough times. Remember, your audience wants to hear from you - so don't go silent just because times are tough.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or need more guidance, don't hesitate to reach out. And hey, why not join our Coffees and Content community on Instagram? It's a great place to connect with other business owners, share resources, and get that extra bit of support.

Remember, we're all in this together. Keep showing up, keep providing value, and keep believing in your business. You've got this!

Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Qy7H6G4qe24kqTqdRMsbO?si=c759ccda4aef4c2d