As we launch Season 10 of the Events Demystified Podcast, I was thrilled to sit down with Nicole Jacobson, Senior Director of Marketing and E-commerce at pc/nametag. In this episode, we explored powerful yet budget-friendly marketing strategies for small businesses. Nicole shared invaluable insights on maximizing impact without overspending—perfect for anyone looking to make a splash in a competitive market without a massive budget.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube to dive deeper, but here are some of the highlights and practical tips from our discussion. Full episode notes are found on our Podcast’s website.
Key Takeaways for Budget-Friendly Marketing Success
- Start with Your Audience
A deep understanding of your audience is non-negotiable. Nicole emphasized that investing time to research and understand your ideal customer’s preferences, habits, and challenges is the best way to ensure your marketing budget is well spent. Knowing where they are most active will help focus your efforts and save money. - Focus on One or Two Platforms
When it comes to social media, spreading yourself too thin across multiple platforms can be exhausting and expensive. Instead, Nicole recommends zeroing in on one or two channels where your audience is most active. For pc/nametag, Instagram turned out to be their best engagement platform. They now recycle content from Instagram to other platforms, allowing them to maximize reach without the need for dedicated content on every social network. - Content that Engages—Without Breaking the Bank
While long-form content has its place, Nicole explained that today’s audience is more interested in short, actionable pieces. Think quick videos, checklists, or even quizzes. Providing value without requiring extensive time commitments from your readers can be a game-changer. And remember, your content doesn’t have to be perfect—authentic and helpful is better than polished but generic. - Affordable Marketing Tools Are Your Friend
Nicole shared some of her favorite tools for stretching the marketing budget, such as Google Keyword Planner and GA4 for SEO insights, HARO (Help A Reporter Out) for media exposure, and SEMrush for keyword research. Many of these tools offer free or low-cost options, making them accessible for small business owners. - Take Care of Your Well-being to Boost Creativity
Lastly, we discussed how crucial it is for those in high-demand roles to prioritize self-care. For Nicole, daily movement like yoga or Pilates recharges her creativity. As someone who blocks out my workout time daily, I couldn’t agree more—when we feel our best, our work reflects it.
Watch the Full Episode and Learn More
This episode is packed with actionable insights, especially if you’re ready to grow your brand on a budget. To get the full experience, head over to our YouTube channel to watch the complete conversation with Nicole. You’ll pick up even more tips on making marketing work without overspending. Download Nicole’s gift of 101 Marketing Tactics here.
Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Follow the Events Demystified Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and social media for future episodes, industry insights, and more tips. Nicole’s practical advice is sure to inspire new approaches to marketing that make an impact—without breaking the bank!
