David Mason, owner of Norfolk-based Paint me Ceramics, explains why the business should win the marketing and PR category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition.
As a new small business we have had to advertise and market in numerous ways, but also with a very limited budget.
In 2015 we have used social media, traditional methods such as leaflets, and paid advertising including radio.
We have also built our local network and used this to help promote us, using methods such as advertising boards at a local chip shop.
In addition, we have started community projects, promoted a local car-boot sale and even put up banners on the Christmas lights music trailer.
We are currently projecting a 40% rise in sales at year end (March 2016), and have seen an increase every month so far.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
