Are you new to the startup game?

With all the work that goes into starting a business, you probably don’t have much time to think about marketing strategies that are easy to execute. If you relate to this, don't panic!

Here are some ideas from established startups that’ll help you visualize how a successful strategy can help you achieve your own marketing goals. Remember, the key is to increase brand awareness, leads, and customers for your startup business:

1. Use paid ads to build a community: make use of social media platforms’ paid ads offerings to cater to your audience.

2. Try social media to connect with customers: social media marketing can also be used to grow your audience and connect with existing members for free. Create a Facebook Business page and/or an Instagram page and optimize those, so leads and customers can find them.

3. Use user-generated content to tell your story: you don't have the revenue to produce big-budget social media campaigns? the best way to tell your story is on Instagram. Fill your page with happy clients enjoying your product or service.

4. Create SEO-optimized content to attract high-intent visitors: SEO is another free, cost-effective strategy that you can use to spread the word about your business. Though it’s a continuous job, the more you optimize your website the better it will perform, generating more leads for your startup.

5. Implement a referral program: leverage those who have already bought your product or service and ask them to advocate on your behalf; whether through a review or a testimonial, positive feedback is always a plus.

6. Offer a free or trial version of your product: offer some kind of free/trial version of your product or service. That will give clients a taste of the experience and probably hook them as loyal customers.

7. Don’t just sell, engage: as an entrepreneur, you may be compelled to sell to everyone you meet. Though flaunting your brand every now and then is okay, it’s important to engage your target demographic without looking like you’re just trying to advertise.

Focus on what works. Use a combination of those marketing strategies and then analyze their performance. Remember, your marketing activities are only as good as your goals and targeting. Good luck!