What are some low cost advertising options for a small business?

Answer 1

A lot depends on your business, because you want to make sure you are using advertising to target your specific market. As a small business, you don't want to waste money on advertising that won't reach your best prospects. If you are a business to consumer company the ad medium you use may be different than what a business to business company uses. The advertising you use will also vary based on whether you are marketing primarily online or locally. I'll assume you're looking for local advertising.

Here are a few low-cost or even free ideas, although some may work better for business to consumer companies.

Hold a free public seminar covering a topic related to your business that people would like to learn about. Send a news release to your local media announcing the seminar.

If you have a certain area of knowledge, watch for opportunities to "be an expert." Does your local TV or radio station have guests covering topics of interest? If you want to reach beyond a local market, watch for opportunities to share your knowledge online.

Hold a charity event at your business. Again, send a news release to local media inviting the public. Think of something that would be visual for TV stations or newspapers. For example, say you have a hair salon. Have a free haircut day for children whose parents are overseas in the military. I don't know what your business does, but you would have to think of something creative. You will be helping a group of people and getting PR for your business. Of course, you will also want to invite the media the day of the event.

You can't beat word of mouth. Always have a simple brochure or flier and business card on hand to give to people.

Make sure you have a website and print the URL on EVERYTHING you do. Make sure it is easy to find. Also, be certain your site is listed in all of the search engine local directories.

Send a regular email blast or ezine to your customer database. Your existing customers are some of your best prospects, so make sure to stay in touch with them. Also, have a place on your website for prospective customers to sign up for an ezine or enewsletter.

Direct mail can be expensive unless its very targeted. If you need to reach a larger group of people, check into services that include many businesses in one mailing. Make sure to check demographics to ensure the mailing is being sent to people you want to reach. Another lower cost idea to check is with your local paper to see if they offer door hanger services.

Sponsor a community ball team or event, but make sure you receive adequate advertising in return. You do want to have a reputation of supporting the community, but it is wise to ensure you are getting sufficient recognition -- such as your logo on shirts, banners, brochures -- in return. If you sponsor an event, make sure some of your employees are there helping while wearing a shirt with your company logo of course.

Answer 2

There are hundreds of cute signs available for about 1/5 the cost. Unless I had an event I really wanted to advertise (new baby or something) I don't envision purchasing your product. Even then it would be a tough sale since yard signs are so much cheaper. Maybe there is a market and I'm just not part of that market. inexpensive marketing = facebook, twitter, you tube,

Answer 3

If you are willing to do a little homework you can use some free resources on the internet to find some customers. WordPress and other blog sites let you create simple pages that you can use to get traffic from the search engines. For local advertising this can be particularly effective-- try searching for what you sell and where you sell it. If you don't see any competition... it's relatively easy for you to own that space for free! You'll need to do some reading and be willing to take the good advice from the search engines on what works-- they don't make it hard because they need search results to work locally. It's a better product for searchers if you are there.

Answer 4

1. Advertising, is done with idea of publicity of product or services.
2. It seems you are asking for a suggestion on Low Budget advertising and publicity, idea.
3. Word of mouth, is a strongest media of publicity,
doubtlessly.
4. Small message on your Invoice, Delivery Challan may take you long way in your business.
5. Small give away, of daily use, with your message, shall also help in promoting your business.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

We are a small business and we make sure to advertise in the phone books....phonebook covers (sent to all New people who move in town)...also depends on what type of business? You can advertise for about $29.00/per month on usdirectories.com/ depending on what kind of impact internet would be on your business.....newspapers (on sunday vs. other days)

Answer 6

Directly talking to people in the street.
Handing brochures to people who are nearby.
Going to meetings of people who might be interested in the business.
Asking customers to refer others to your business.
Doing a good job.

Answer 7

join a local business industry association through which to network...also depends if this is retail or B2B

Answer 8

Read 'guerrilla marketing' valuable info.

Answer 9

craiglist is always free

Answer 10

Say to your existing customers, 'If you are not happy with our service, please tell us. If you are happy, tell your friends'