Use advertising dollars wisely.
All small businesses could use some free advertising. Most small businesses just don't have the budget to put a lot of money into advertising and can't afford to waste the money budgeted if their advertising doesn't give a return on their investment. However, there are ways to advertise your business without spending a fortune.
Online Advertising
Free advertising is a smart way to stretch your advertising dollars.
Craigslist.Org is one of the most popular classified advertising sites on the Internet, and it's free for service and for sale listings. It requires diligence because you need to post frequently, but it's free and effective for many businesses. A good tip is to ensure you have several ads running at staggered intervals so you have maximum visibility.
Google Local is a free service by Google.com. You add your company name and contact information, and it will give you a listing and put you on the local map in Google listings. When your neighbors search for you, they know you're just down the street.
Social Networking
Social networking adds up slowly, but it does add up.
Many small businesses have MySpace or Facebook pages to announce company specials, coupons and updates and for fans to ask questions. It's a popular way to keep in touch with those with whom you could be doing business in the future.
LinkedIn works well for business-to-business networking. The more you network, the better LinkedIn works for you, and if you're selling a product or service specifically to companies, it's an easy way to get your name out to potential clients that are linked to you. Once you have linked with the decision-maker at a company, send him an email, asking if he is interested in your product or service.
Blogs are good ways to get your name out there and show your expertise. If you run a mechanic shop, write a blog about the best ways to maintain your car, or answer common questions to what is wrong when a car makes a certain sound. Make sure you have a blog that is search engine optimized so people can find it and give visibility to your business.
Referrals
The power of incentive money works well.
One of the slower methods of free advertising is word of mouth, but it is the most effective. A satisfied customer recommending your business to a few friends is worth more than advertising dollars can buy. A good incentive program, such as a cash reward or a discount on a future purchase, can help encourage customers to rave about your business.
Tags: your business, advertising dollars, small businesses, free service, LinkedIn works, product service