How to Advertise for Free

Advertising a new business, event, or other important happening can be difficult, time consuming, and EXPENSIVE!! After opening my own small retail business I've found a few outlets that actually do help you spread the word for no money ( or very little at all)!!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer/printer
• Fax machine
• Community Calendar

1. It is often said that networking is one of the easiest and most effective marketing tools available, and it's true! Check your community calendar for free events that pertain to your business that would make a great opportunity to meet people and distribute cards and flyer. For example, I own a rural retail work wear store so I visit the county fair each year to distribute business cards and get many customers from it
2. Check with your local chamber of commerce. Many larger cities have a Chamber of Commerce that will often provide some free distribution of flyers in their mailings. They also may let you visit one of their meetings to introduce yourself to other business associates. Again, it makes for another great networking opportunity.
3. Never take time off! If you really want to advertise you can't expect to get it done in your scheduled work time only-you have to be willing to advertise at all times.
   Take flyers with you when you shop and dine and hang them on bulletin boards in businesses (ask managers first though).
   Ask to leave a few business cards on counters of offices.
   Print flyers/brochures to leave in waiting rooms (doctors', service stations, etc).
   If you travel often, pay $25-30 to have magnetic signs made for your vehicle that advertise your business.
4. Be a charitable giver. Even if you don't have much money or donations to give to causes, consider just giving your time and best wishes. Consumers are more likely to frequent businesses who show social responsibility and take part in community activities. Offer to help organizations and charities by volunteering some time (and then wear a t-shirt advertising your business). People will respect your effort and will show more interest in your success.
5. Ask friends if they will let you fax a flyer to their workplace to hang in the employee break room. This is usually cheaper than mailing flyers due to the money you save in postage!
6. Use the internet to your advantage. Certain places like merchantcircle.com or craigslist.com will allow you to advertise your business at no expense. The internet is used often to find businesses so use it to help people find you, even if you don't have your own website.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes the more untraditional advertising works best. So be creative!
• Advertising is more influential when it is through face-to-face interaction rather than just by print in the paper. Take time to meet, greet, and advertise and when you do make sure to SMILE!