Add your company logo to plain paper bags for customers.
Locally targeted advertising options vary in cost and effectiveness. Affordable advertising means adding profit for the business while gaining new local clients. The type of business you own plays a role in the most effective form of local advertising. A Yellow Pages ad might draw in a large client base for one business but garner only a handful of leads for another. Experiment with different local advertising methods to find the most effective format for your business.
Printed Bags
The bags used in a retail business hold the potential to spread the word about the business throughout the area. Instead of purchasing plain paper or plastic bags for the store, spend a little more to get printed bags. The company's logo on the side of the bag attracts attention from others as your customers carry their purchases home. Choose a color of ink that contrasts well with the bag so the logo pops out. The more noticeable the logo, the more people will notice it.
Local Sponsorships
Sponsoring kids' sports teams and other community events allows you to get out the word about your business. The sponsorships vary in cost depending on the local market and specific event you sponsor. In return for your sponsorship, you get advertisement in event brochures or sports uniforms. Depending on the size of the audience for the events, your company name may potentially reach a large group of new clients. You also gain the advantage of building community connections. People are more likely to support a local business that takes an interest in the community.
Online Advertising
People of all ages turn to the internet for many purposes including finding new businesses. There are many free or cheap resources online for advertising a local business. Create a Facebook and Twitter page for your business and send the link to all local people you know. The word will quickly spread as local people start following your business. Offer specials to your followers on both sites. Craigslist is another free option for listing your business. Online directories allow businesses to register their information. Visitors can then go to the directory and search for a particular type of business. All of these options are more cost effective than traditional phone book advertisements.
Giveaways
Giveaways are another option to reach new potential customers. This gives at least one local community member a chance to try one of your products or services. Other participants in the giveaway get a look at your business and may pursue it on their own. Check with local radio stations or newspapers to participate in giveaways they might sponsor. Look for fundraisers with silent auctions. Donate a product or a gift certificate for your business to auction.
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