How to Build a Business Without Advertising

Starting a business is hard. It takes time, dedication, patience and unfortunately, money. The budget that you have to start your business may not include an allowance for advertising. To get started, you must promote your business in ways other than advertising.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Spend time, not money. You need to schedule at least an hour a day on promoting or planning promotion for your business. You need to budget your time for promotion.
2. Be proactive. You need to do the work to promote your business. You can't rely on others to do it for you. You must be cognizant of your words and actions. Everything you do or say will be a reflection of your business.
3. Use every form of communication as a promotional tool. Think of each piece of stationery and email as a piece of promotional collateral. These are tools that are used in everyday business and shouldn't be thought of as advertising.
4. Write articles and press releases that highlight your business and submit them to local newspapers, TV stations and radio stations. These are great free promotional tools that can be used to get word out about your business without spending money on advertising.
5. Post messages and comments in forums on the Internet. Visit specialized forums and blogs and submit "expert" comments. When you post a message make sure that your business information is in your signature file.
6. Network with business colleagues and use their knowledge and resources. Find out how your colleagues started and promoted their business. Learn any tools and suggestions that they used to promote their business without spending money on advertising.
7. Get the word on the street. Use your vehicle as a rolling billboard. Put your company's name, phone number and website on your car. Remember to drive safely and courteously, you never know who you may drive past and if they might need your services.
8. Attend professional group meetings. Rotary clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, business bureaus and other groups can be great ways to network. Always carry your business card to the meetings because you never know who you can pass them out to.
9. Hold demonstrations or classes if it is appropriate to your business. Showing your business in action is a great promotional tool. It is a good way to show your business in action and a great forum to interact with potential customers.