Marketing Tips: Free First
When people think about promoting their business, the first thought that comes to mind is, "What is is going to cost?" While marketing and advertising should be part of any well-considered budget, there are a number of opportunities to market your business for free that are often overlooked.
Clubs & Organizations
Most clubs and organizations have some sort of membership directory, either online or in print, sometimes both. Make sure that your business information is complete and accurate. Organizations also often have member spotlights or bios. If an organization that you are a member of offers this, be sure to submit your information.
Community Web Sites
There are a number of community web sites that offer free business directory listings.
Email Signatures
Make sure that every email you send has your business information, web site, and tag line.
Business Cards
Hand your business card to every person that you meet.
Networking Meetings
Attend networking meetings and have a brief (30 seconds) description of your business ready. If the meeting allows promotional material to be handed out, have flyers or coupons on hand.
Professional Associations
If you are a member of a professional association, be sure to provide all of your company details, along with your web site url, for listing in their directory.
Articles
Write informative articles on subjects that are pertinent to your business and submit it to area web sites, newspapers, magazines, and newsletters.
Public Speaking
Look for opportunities to speak on topics related to your business.
Press Releases
Write a press release and submit it to local and national news sources. There are countless topics for press releases, new products, services, awards, and events. If something exciting happened to your or your business, let people know about it.
Online Forums
Become a resident expert in an online forum that is either related to your business or is in your area
Business Bags
Many events and conferences offer business bags to attendees. Sometimes you have to be a sponsor or advertiser to include your promotional items, but many times the organizers are just looking for things to fill the bags and leave it open to anyone who supplies items.
Local Businesses
Many local businesses offer a place to leave business cards or flyers.
Ads
Yes, sometimes ads can be free. I've offered this when I need to fill a space and I'm short on time. If an opportunity like this presents itself, you need to have an ad ready to go.
Take Full Advantage of Opportunities Available
I've put together a lot of different types of promotional packages: newsletter, programs, directories, online directories, and sponsor packages. No matter what the format, there are always people that miss out of opportunities, even ones that they have paid for, because they didn't submit their information on time. So have a plan of action and be prepared.
Copyright 2005 - Carla Alvarez, Legacy Marketing Services
Carla Alvarez is owner of Legacy Marketing Services which provides integrated marketing services for businesses including business identity, web and CSS development, and business development seminars.
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