How to Advertise a Local Business Inexpensively

Spending a small amount of money can help your business make a lot of money.

A local business must attract customers in order to make a profit. It is important to advertise in order to attract customers in your area. By advertising your local business inexpensively, you will attract many customers in your area at a minimal cost.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Copy machine

Instructions

1. Design a simple, black-and-white coupon for the business on the computer. Include the company's name, slogan, description, location, phone number and website on the coupon. Include a discount offer in a large, clear font. Ensure that the discount will be attractive to your customers.

2. Print a copy of the coupon. Make copies of the coupon on a copy machine. Distribute the copies to family and friends, and request that they distribute the coupons to their family and friends as well.

3. Set up a co-promotional deal with local businesses. Request that they display your company's coupon, and in return, you will display promotional material of their choice at your business.

4. Post an image of the coupon on your company's website. If your company does not have a website, create one. Ensure that the web page that features your coupon also has the coupon information in text so search engines are able to index the web page.

5. 

   Ask the local paper for a discount for being a repeat advertiser.

   Run a copy of the coupon in a local newspaper. If you plan to run your company's coupon frequently, request a discount for being a repeat customer. According to a 2009 "Adweek" Media/Harris Poll, almost two-thirds of those ages 55-plus (64%) say they still read a daily newspaper almost every day, making this a great option to attract an older audience. If your local newspaper has a website, have your coupon displayed on the newspaper's website as well to attract a more diverse audience.

6. Write a press release about your local business and the discount offered on your company's coupon. Include information about your company's involvement with the local community and why customers would benefit from working with your local business.

7. Track the number of discount offers given to customers each week. Determine what advertising methods work best, and continue with those methods. If you are not receiving satisfactory results, try a new discount and circulate new coupons. According to Bruce Horovitz, writer for "USA Today," customers want to save money, and they want retailers to help them by providing discounts. If your first discount is not effective, do not give up. Find the right coupon offer through trial and error.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer a larger discount for customers who visit your location on slow business days. This will attract customers to your location on these days.

• Create added value for customers. Encourage customers to use your coupon by offering a free gift or entering customers who use the coupon into a contest.

• Keep copies of your coupon at your business location. Offer the coupon to customers who do not have one.

• Host an event at your business location once a month, if applicable. For example, host a game night, karaoke night or free soda night, if your business allows. Advertise this on your coupon to ensure repeat business during events.

• Hire someone to dress up as a popular cartoon character and hand out coupons outside of your business location.

• Do not offer a discount that is unreasonably small or large. A small discount will not be attractive, and a large one may not allow the business to make enough of a profit.

References

• Marketing Charts: Just Two in Five Americans Read Newspaper Daily
• "USA Today": Retailers, Restaurants Offer Deals as More of Us Pinch Pennies