Running an SME can be tough and often means wearing many hats, and marketing is often one of them. But great marketing doesn’t have to be a chore! Here are five fun yet effective ways to boost your brand’s visibility and engagement without breaking the bank.

1. Leverage ‘behind-the-scenes’ content

People love an insider look. Share day-in-the-life videos, bloopers, or the story behind your products. Authenticity builds trust and engagement—80% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from brands that provide honest, behind-the-scenes content (Source: Stackla).

Use Instagram Stories, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts for maximum reach. Video content is key here—short, engaging clips perform 1200% better than text and images combined (Source: Brightcove).

2. Encourage user-generated content (UGC)

Always a dream if you can secure content from your customers, so ASK. Ask customers to share how they use your product/service with a branded hashtag. UGC is like gold dust and increases engagement by 28% compared to standard brand content (Source: TINT).

Feature their content in your social media or email campaigns—it’s free, organic promotion that builds community and credibility. Encourage customers to submit videos showcasing creative ways they use your product for even more visibility.

3. Tap into nostalgia marketing

Throwback posts, depending on the age of your business ‘90s-inspired designs, or campaigns based on childhood memories spark emotional connections. Studies show that nostalgia-based advertising leads to a 63% increase in customer willingness to spend (Source: Journal of Consumer Research).

Incorporate retro visuals, vintage packaging, or classic pop culture references in your messaging. Consider running a short-form video series highlighting ‘Then vs. Now’ comparisons featuring your brand.

4. Surprise and delight your customers

Small gestures create big brand loyalty. Whether it’s a handwritten thank-you note, an unexpected discount, or a random giveaway, 77% of consumers say they stay loyal to brands that surprise them with rewards (Source: Bond Brand Loyalty).

Personalisation in these surprises is essential, to let customers know you value them and they are ‘not just a number’. A short video message from your team thanking customers can also add a personal touch and boost emotional connection.

5. Support a community charity

Supporting a good cause doesn’t have to be a serious affair—get creative with your charitable initiatives! Organise a sponsored ‘Jailbreak’ where teams try to get as far away as possible without spending any money, or donate employee time to perform a song and dance routine at a local care home.

Fun, engaging charity activities not only give back to the community but also create positive PR and strengthen team spirit. Studies show that 72% of consumers prefer to support brands with strong social impact initiatives (Source: Cone Communications). Capture these moments on video to share with your audience and inspire more participation!

Practical ideas for your marketing, to help your business grow

Marketing doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. Try one (or a few) of these ideas, and have fun with it. Getting your business noticed over and above your competition is key to your success. These suggestions are proved to be very successful for SME’s.