Starting a business can be an expensive undertaking, with overhead costs like advertising fees and rent often taking a toll on finances. However, there are several ways to reduce these costs, allowing for a financially healthy launch.
While small costs and expenses may not seem significant individually, they can add up and significantly impact cash flow. Implementing a cost-reduction plan can help save a lot of money over time. Here are some specific ideas:
Here are some specific ideas:
Cut traditional advertising in favor of low-cost alternatives.
Many small businesses turn to internet marketing and advertising to reduce traditional advertising costs and still reach customers. Public relations is a much cheaper and effective form of advertising, and businesses can use their expertise to be featured as credible sources in publications and media outlets.
Get sponsors for events.
Events can be a huge draw for both old and new customers, and businesses rely on regular events, from galas to seminars, to expand their customer base. Getting sponsors to carry the expense of events in exchange for some form of advertising within the event is usually a good trade for both the small business hosting the event and the sponsor paying for expenses if the two are in related areas.
Raise your deductible.
Raising the deductible on your insurance usually lowers your premiums. Even if you end up having to pay the deductible, it’s likely to be less than the amount you save.
Use independent contractors.
Employers generally don’t have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors. But be very careful that your independent contractors fit the definition provided by the IRS, or you could face penalties.
Focus On Revenue Per Employee
In order to reduce overhead and save money, companies should focus on new metrics that are getting popular in startups, known as revenue per employee. If the average revenue per employee is lower than expenses, then businesses can focus on maximizing the potential of how to increase that revenue by strategically coming up with fresh ideas and implementing them.
Commission your sales force.
Hiring your own sales representatives can lead to high overhead costs, salaries, incentives, training costs, fringe benefits, and expenses. Contracting independent manufacturers’ sales reps, paid on commission only, is less expensive and often equally effective.
Move away from traditional marketing
Running ads on TV and in print can be expensive. Instead, turn to low-cost forms of marketing. New forms of digital marketing are also comparatively low-cost and can provide large pay-offs. For example, effective social media marketing can be done in just six hours a week, and the cost of a Facebook and Twitter account is zero.
Buy supplies in bulk
Typically, buying in bulk leads to cheaper prices. Unless you are a new start-up worried about short-term cash flow, buying in bulk can save money. Consider everything from stationery to bigger purchases like software and business laptops. Frequent-use items should be bought in bulk to save money for the business.
We have always emphasized the importance of having a good website for your company because it can act as your best tool for marketing and sales. A poorly designed website can repulse people from your business and can cause you to lose customers before you even have them. Get in touch with HyperEffects to work on creating, enhancing, and making the website of your company more user-friendly.