“We don’t have the funds to launch a big marketing campaign, but we really want to attract eyeballs.” That’s the challenge so many small companies face on a daily basis. Owners of these businesses have limited marketing budgets and conventional channels like TV adverts and billboards can be too costly. But just because a more established organization spends huge chunks on these marketing campaigns doesn’t mean you have to as well.

You’d be amazed how some businesses get away with unique marketing strategies that don’t cost a fortune yet still manage to yield incredible results. Some of these out-of-the-box tactics also offer creative opportunities to form deeper relationships with brand advocates and make potential buyers take notice. Here’s a look at 4 such budget-friendly ideas that your firm might be able to take advantage of.

1. Branded Rubber Stamps

It’s fascinating the number of ways rubber stamps can help with marketing. Especially with customized stamps – it’s a world of opportunities. They’re an ideal and economical option for any stamping need, and feature sturdy wooden handles for control and comfort. For example, you can use them to make your own branded stationery for thank you cards and put them into business shipments. Customers receiving the shipments will love the thought behind it and will be more likely to search up your business.

2. Online Contests

Thanks to applications like Rafflecopter and Wishpond, it’s more useful than ever to host an online contest. A well-crafted and endorsed giveaway can help get the word out about your business while boosting your social media presence, email subscribers, and more. The key is in coming up with the right offer at the right time for the right audience. Finding the right mix can be challenging in the physical world, but internet apps make it much easier. Plus, the cost of hosting an online giveaway is low compared to doing the same on the World Wide Web. Only a couple of hours are needed to put contest rules together.

3. Seek Local Sponsorships

Participating in local events as a sponsor can help spread the word for your company at a relatively low expense. Also, event sponsorships help create awareness and affinity among customers who appreciate being able to gather at a free or discounted event thanks to a company’s underwriting. Of course, measuring return on investment in local sponsorships can be difficult, and not everyone will be impressed by your efforts. Still, sponsorships are a popular marketing tool for a reason and function well when planned right and implemented effectively.

4. Impromptu Snow-Day

This is done when an unexpected snow day brings crowds to a standstill, generally halting people’s usual workday schedule. If that happens in your city, you have the ideal opportunity to get creative with a little guerrilla marketing.  For instance, if you sell snow tires or winter attire, promote a “snow-day special” and offer a one-day-only promo to entice bystanders to your business. Promote the event further by using an Instagram hashtag specific to your city to expand the reach of your posts or publish city-centric updates to your Twitter page. Use the intimate knowledge of your local followers and environment to generate a buzz for your activities.

Whatever you decide in the end, you can begin visualizing how your activities will look. Take some time with this brainstorming phase. Spend a few hours each day and take note of all your ideas (even the really embarrassing ones). And plan beforehand about the process you’re going to follow to measure results. If your sales rage during your marketing activities, job well done!