How to Market a Business Through Grassroots Marketing

Grassroots marketing can be key to getting your new business off the ground. When you are just starting out, you may not have the funds for a major advertising blitz, but you need to let people know about your business. Get out there and do the legwork yourself to get your business name recognized. Networking through grassroots marketing is vital to starting a new business.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Business cards and flyers
• Energy and enthusiasm

1. Distribute business cards, brochures and flyers everywhere. Local businesses, schools and churches are good places to begin. Hand out business cards at every opportunity. Create a distinct company logo and use it on your stationery and handouts.

2. Tell everyone you know about your business. Tell every friend, family member and acquaintance about your new venture. Ask your closest friends and family to do the same. Word of mouth can go a long way.

3. Give out free samples or trial offers. The best way for people to know about your business is for them to try it out. Develop a short-term trial offer or small sample to draw the interest off new customers.

4. Participate in local events. Attend every Chamber of Commerce event, church activity, charity function or local community event possible. Network with people and market your business in person. Getting to know people in your community is a great way to spread the news about your business.

5. Get on television or the radio. You may not have the money to advertise, but that doesn't mean you can't get on air. Pitch yourself and your company as an up and coming local business to broadcasting stations in your area. Try to get a reporter to interview you on air, even if only for a few minutes. Do anything (within reason) to get the name of your business out there.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit online forums and chat rooms related to your business and put a link to your business Web site in your signature.

• Do not make unnecessary expenditures when your business is new. Save money for unexpected or emergency costs.