Looking to promote your ice cream business on a budget? From social media to branded ice cream containers, there are a variety of ways to let people know about your ice cream shop, premade ice cream brand or other ice cream products, all without spending a fortune.

Marketing is the key to any business, and ice cream is no exception. Below, we’ve listed four simple, inexpensive and effective tactics that you can use to market your ice cream business without overspending, helping you to attract new customers and generate more revenue.

1. Switch From Generic to Branded Ice Cream Containers

When you sell ice cream to a customer, how do passersby know it’s from your shop? Branded ice cream containers let you transform any transaction into a marketing activity by letting every passerby know about your ice cream.

From your color scheme to your marketing message, a branded ice cream container makes it easy to present your brand for free, turning all of your customers into walking advertisements that generate attention, strengthen your brand and attract new customers.

2. Promote Your Business Using Social Media

Want to attract attention? Ice cream, frozen yogurt and other desserts go hand in hand with social media attention, making platforms like Facebook and Instagram ideal tools for reaching your target audience.

One easy way to draw new customers into your ice cream store is to offer promotions to local Facebook groups. From buy-one-get-one-free deals with discounts for first-time customers, offer local Facebook users a great deal and you’ll quickly discover new customers.

3. Reach Out to Local Distribution Options

Want to sell more of your ice cream? If you offer prepackaged ice cream, try reaching out to any local grocery stores, convenience stores, cafés and other potential distributors that sell similar products.

Local businesses can be valuable partners for helping you sell your ice cream. If your ice cream is a desirable item, you can also strengthen their business at the same time, creating a win-win marketing situation.

From revenue sharing deals to renting space inside their refrigerator, there are a variety of ways to plan a good distribution partnership deal, all of which can help you market your ice cream and make more sales at a minimal cost.

4. Team Up With Influencers in Your Industry

Don’t want to build up your own Facebook or Instagram page from scratch? One of the easiest ways to increase your audience and rapidly build a social media presence for your brand is by partnering with influencers in your industry.

From food bloggers to local celebrities, try reaching out to popular people and brands on social media to promote your ice cream together. For a small fee, bloggers, Instagrammers, and other influencers will usually be happy to promote and show off your ice cream and other products.

Not only can influencer promotions help you sell ice cream in the short term -- in the long term, they can also play a major role in helping you strengthen your brand and build an audience of loyal customers.