As most of us already know, the U.S economy is not doing so well right now. The white house is putting all of their money on the big banks and wall street corporations, while the rest of us (everyday small business owners - backbone of America) struggle to grow our business.

In situations like these small business owners have to become smarter, and go out of the box to attract new customers, creating a powerful and yet very affordable marketing strategy.

Here is a list of very easy to implement marketing strategies that might work for your small business.

1. Work on your website, and open the endless possibilities of online marketing. Spend some time or money doing SEO for your website, and bring new clients to your site. If you sell any kind of products, try using ebay, amazon (yes you can sell your products there!), craigslist and other e-marketplaces. There are many people who are looking for your products and services and they should be able to find you online!

2. Create Brand Awareness - put your company’s logo on every place you can think of, pens, shirts, cups, it really is more affordable than you think. It will constantly remind your client that you are there, and your brand will stick to their head.

3. Nurture your clients - It is much easier to retain your clients, than gaining new ones! Love your current clients, offer them a discount for repetitive purchases, offer a referral program, expand your services or product list and try to get your list of customers to buy those additional services or products. Our society is not comfortable with establishing personal relationships with strangers (clients), but if you get to know your clients by name and more personal, they will see you as a friend therefore they will always buy your services or products, no matter how many more options they might have.

4. Create a mailing list - Use your website, or even a simple notebook at the store where you can get your clients name and email, create content rich monthly newsletters and constantly remind your clients about your new offerings, and specials.

5. Get together with your fellow entrepreneurs - in this times of recession is always a good idea to get down from the “competitive” wagon and start doing some alliances with other small business owners. If you don’t have a large budget to advertise, you might get together with another small business owner and cross promote your services or products.

In this harsh times we are facing, you have to think outside the box and reach for more creative and effective ways to target your potential customers. Sometimes the simplest idea can create the biggest impact in your customer’s mind!