In a tough economy, people are always looking for creative ways to market their businesses without spending a fortune. With a lot of things competing for our attention, the marketing skills that work are the ones that are unique and multifaceted. There are several creative ways to get your name out, many of which are cheap or free. The top 25 are listed below.
A Website
A website doesn't have to be expensive. A simple website or blog will allow you to share information about your company or business with others. It gives people the opportunity to get to know you. In this day and age a website is a MUST for any business, from individual freelancers to large companies.
You can use free tools like Blogger or Wordpress to start, but you should invest in your own domain name. Web hosting packages are also generally very inexpensive and many offer great tools for building basic websites where no coding is needed. These are great for starting out later on you should have an actual web designer/developer help you search engine optimize and polish your site with your unique brand to increase your business.
Not ready to build a site yet? At least set up a company Facebook page and promote it.
List Your Portfolio/Website
If you are a freelancer take advantage of the many places to build a free portfolio online that links back to your primary domain. this will help you with search engine rankings while offering more exposure to your business. A good one to try Freelanced.com. They have a really cool widget you can link to on your blog that shuffles pictures of your work and catches people's attention. People can give you "kudos" and recommendations as well.
Business Cards
There are several websites that have fantastic deals on business cards. Design and print cards in bulk to save even more. Every time you go somewhere leave your card with people. Post it on bulletin boards etc. Business cards are almost always less expensive when ordered online, so do your research.
For a special touch, design the card custom, or have one designed inexpensively on Fiverr.com that you can have printed.
Social Media
Use Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ as a way to advertise your business. It's a great way to maintain contact with customers and gain popularity. You can use these tools to host promotions, contests, and other activities. In addition these sites are a great way to share valuable information with others which also lends to your credibility. Write a great article and tweet it out this will draw new business leads. Don't overdo it though - nothing annoys followers faster than every single tweet being self-promotion.
Mailing List
Give your website visitors the opportunity to sign up for a custom mailing list. Do not use this to spam people, but send out regular valuable content and promotions to keep your clients/customers coming back. A great newsletter goes a long way in developing customer trust and loyalty. Spend time on this, don't just slop something together.
Community Bulletin Boards
Most communities have some locations where there are free bulletin boards to place advertisements. Place fliers with business cards at several of these locations. Make them really stand out from the crowd. For my photo restoration business, I printed my flier on photo paper and attached business photograph postcards that people could take with check this link right here now them.
HubPages & Other Similar Sites
Writing for sites like HubPages or similar sites allows you to write about what you know. Your passion for your topics is a great way to establish your credibility and get new followers. You can also network with other writers and freelancers who share common goals. The back links to your website from your profile are also great ways to boost your own popularity. Do not use these sites for spammy purposes however, because it hurts everyone. Do use them as a way to showcase your knowledge by writing meaningful articles, stories, or tutorials that benefit your readers.
Car Magnets
Car Magnets with your logo and URL are a very economical way to advertise every time you drive. They cost very little and can be placed or removed as needed.
Refrigerator Magnets, Notepads, or Pens
All of these can be made up fairly cheaply and used as giveaways or promotional items. They keep your name "in view" and can often prompt calls and new leads. Order online for the biggest savings. Check sites like alibaba even for customizable items. If you are purchasing in bulk; you can often save money using their services.
Event Setup
Set up a table at a local fair, flea market, or other event where you can hand out brochures, samples, business cards etc. You should engage people by letting them enter to win a contest or passing out coupons anything of this nature. It's a great way to make a face to face impression and is usually a lot of fun too. **Be sure to check the laws in your local area concerning these activities!**
Free Samples
The proof is in the pudding see here or so they say. Have free samples available for people to try. When I was selling soaps at craft fairs I would staple little baggies with soap samples in them to my business cards. It was a very economical way to create value and draw future customers.
List on Merchant Circle & Thumbtack
Merchant Circle, Thumbtack, and other similar websites allow you to list your business locally for free. They also give your customers the opportunity to post reviews of your business as well. If you have a brick and mortar store in addition to your online business, be sure you are listed correctly on Google Maps so that people can locate you easily.
Craigslist
Use Craigslist to advertise your services or sell your items for free. Please don't spam or place listings in multiple categories every single day. This will hurt your business and is not helpful. Instead do a nice listing in HTML so that you can use headings and easy to read text and you'll be ahead of most others who post there.
SEO your website locally
SEO (search engine optimization). Your website should ideally be search engine optimized for your local area as well as overall. Targeting your geographic location typically allows you to move higher in search engine queries specific to your area. Think about it when people are looking for a plumber online they are likely going to search plumber + your city. Optimizing for these keywords will be of benefit to your business.
Yahoo Local & Google Maps
Have your business listed for free on Yahoo Local and have markers placed on Google Maps. This ties in to the same premise as above driving more targeted local traffic your way. It also helps if you have a mobile friendly website or at least a mobile friendly version your main site redirects to. Ensure that you include a Google Map and current contact information so people can contact you easily.