Advertising is how many companies attract new customers. It is challenging for new companies and small businesses without large marketing budgets to find low-cost advertising methods. Some small business owners are tempted to cut out all marketing efforts when money is tight, but advertising is an integral part of finding and landing new business and revenue. Fortunately, there are free advertising ideas that are effective and efficient in establishing a strong client base and getting your company's message out to potential consumers.
Instructions
1. Post your company's information on free online services websites. There are national websites and local websites you can take advantage of. Create a short, effective description of your company's product or service offerings, and include your business' contact information, such as a website, telephone number, email address and physical address. Focus on what makes your company different from competitors when you are writing the description. For example, you can set yourself apart by emphasizing personalized customer service or speedy turnaround times.
2. Join online communities to get your company's name out there. After you join an online community, contribute to discussions frequently and become a regular poster. You can find online communities that are industry-related or in your specific business niche by conducting a simple Internet search that includes your industry, location and "online community" in the search keywords. Don't try to "sell" yourself or blatantly advertise your product in these online discussions -- simply present yourself as a helpful, knowledgeable expert in the field, who also happens to be a business owner. After you've established yourself as a credible, trustworthy member of the group, other members will come to you or send you referrals.
3. Become an industry expert to attract new customers. You can do this by publishing free reports that focus on timely, industry-relevant research and information. Send out marketing emails with this information, or write a monthly newsletter that has informative stories. For example, if you have a baby food or baby clothes company, you can write an article about a hot parenting topic, such as when to start feeding babies solids or protect babies from sunburns.
4. Send news releases about any and all company news, sales and initiatives. News releases are free, and you can send them to local news outlets, including television stations, newspapers and radio stations, as well as to industry associations. Create a news release when you hire a new company vice president and when you have a new product launch. Other topics include fundraising events and company expansion plans.
Tags: your company, attract customers, online communities, online community