How can I advertise my graphic design business with no money?

Answer 1

Well, this is really hard. Even the most simple marketing requires some small amount of money.

If you have an internet service provider, chances are you've got a small amout of free webspace available to you through them, so you could possibly get a small website up with some samples. Of course, it will have a really weird address, but free is free.

You could do a myspace webpage. You can also ask friends who have websites to put ads up for you.

If you've done any projects for people, and they were happy, you could ask them to refer friends or businesses to you, or ask them if they know anyone who might need design work. You could even offer them a small commission for any jobs you get.

Of course there is the old fashioned method - pound the pavement. Walk around town and tell business owners what you do, and ask them if they'd be interested in your services.

Answer 2

A few free resources – check out the sources box for links:

1) Create a blog pertaining to your field

2) Use Yahoo! Local & Yahoo! Groups – Be sure to read the TOS for each one!

3) Write articles pertaining to your field and/or expertise.

4) Advertise on Craiglist

Also, consider signing up for an affiliate program. These programs enable you to advertise on other's sites (your affiliates) and once a sale is made to you, your affiliates & the program are paid a commission.

I listed a few handy sites & articles relating to marketing, promotion & advertising. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* 301 Do-It-Yourself Marketing Ideas: From America's Most Innovative Small Companies by Sam Decker
* Off The Wall Marketing Ideas: Jumpstart Your Sales without Busting Your Budget by Nancy Michaels, Debbi J. Karpowicz
* Guerrilla Marketing for Free: Dozens of No-Cost Tactics to Promote Your Business and Energize Your Profits by Jay Conrad Levinson
* Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof by James Stephenson

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Advertising is virtually impossible to do well with now money. There are a few things you can try.

--Putting your business card at local businesses
--Creating free website (geocities)
--craigs list
--Word of mouth from your friends
--put a portfolio together of stuff that you have done so others can see it
--creating a myspace or 360 account and posting the work you have done there so people can see it