What strategies have worked best for promoting your product with a limited marketing budget?

Question

We're currently working on promoting our new app, Trendly, a QnA-based recommendation engine that helps users extract key insights from long-form content. As a startup with a limited marketing budget, we’re curious to learn from the community's experience. What strategies have you found most effective in generating awareness and gaining users with minimal resources?

Accepted Answer

I encourage my existing users to share my product with friends, and in return, they get discounts or special features.

Answer

I've found that engaging with online communities really helps! Joining relevant forums or social media groups related to my product made a big difference.

Natasha H · Answer

Currently, I spend time each day following people I think would be interested. Anyone who follows back I send a message with a sign-up link and code for a discount. It's not a very scalable strategy but for now, it's working. It's also allowed me to get authentic user feedback and build genuine connections with users.

Nicholas Alexander Green · Answer

I've had success creating short video demos showing real use cases, then posting those on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. Got some great organic reach for free by tapping into relevant hashtags. Also been doing some micro-influencer outreach to get them to share my vids... works well if you can give them extended free trials or lifetime deals that provide value. All about showcasing your product being used by real people to solve real problems!

Benson Gao · Answer

Sincerely share the scenarios in which your products are used on social media

Answer

Creating high-quality content like blog posts and videos has helped us establish ourselves as experts in our field and attract organic traffic. 🥰

Almas Khan · Answer

Leveraging social media platforms has been incredibly effective for reaching our target audience without breaking the bank. 😍

Answer

I use social media platforms creatively by hosting giveaways or challenges that encourage user-generated content.

Answer

Offering free samples or trials has been a powerful way to generate buzz and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. 🥰🥰🥰

Ed Mitchen · Answer

@brad_prey Agree with you

Answer

Participating in industry events and conferences has been a great way to network with potential customers and partners. 🥰

Shadman Nazim · Answer

Focusing on organic growth is key with limited resources. Leverage word-of-mouth through referral programs, engage with niche communities where your target audience is active, and utilize social media for authentic storytelling. Building genuine relationships with early adopters will amplify your reach.

Matthew David Harris · Answer

I've had success leveraging my personal network and online communities to promote my product for free. Posting genuine, personal stories about how the product has helped me or others - with photos/videos if possible - on social media and relevant forums/groups. People respond well to authentic use cases. Also doing some content marketing by writing helpful blog posts that naturally tie into the product's value prop. It takes effort but doesn't cost $. Hope this gives you some ideas to try!

1artifactware llc · Answer

At least you have a budget. When I had a budget I did PPC. It was the #1 source for gaining users. After that reddit but that ones a little bit more tricky

Answer

Implementing a referral program has incentivized our existing customers to spread the word about our product. 🙂

What strategies have worked best for promoting your product with a limited marketing budget?

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