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.

---

Online Advertising Versus Traditional Media Advertising

Before I compare today's online advertising with traditional media advertising... Read More

Love My Dentist

I love my dentist! When is the last time you... Read More

Writing To Overpower Your Competition

"We don't have any competition. We're a truly a one-of-a-kind... Read More

Connect to Your Customers with Superb Sales Letters

In the age of e-newsletters and e-mail, you may not... Read More

Getting Personal ? Innovative Marketing for Small Business Owners

The small business marketing strategy you can't afford to miss... Read More

When You Need More Than Magic To Keep Your Marketing Going

It is easy to focus on what remains outstanding and... Read More

Listen To What The Marketing Experts Say

But more importantly, watch what they do. If you do... Read More

The Six-Step Process That Grows Your Business

1. Examine your clientele and define your ideal client. Of... Read More

An Internet Marketing Strategy that Works

You can't put up a beautiful (or any) web site... Read More

Mortgage Marketing and Advertising ? The Magical Ingredient

Do you offer superior service, consistently close loans on time... Read More

Developing a Contact List- Part Two

In a previous installment, we spoke about how to come... Read More

Wealth Knowledge & Power ? Lost Secrets From Ancient Masters

Behold! He with the light cometh!He shall light thy darkest... Read More

Assumption Based Marketing Vs. Fact Based Marketing

One of the most common mistakes in marketing is making... Read More

The Importance of Business Marketing

Business marketing is one of the most important parts that... Read More

Positioning For Success

According to military historian David Chandler the campaigns of Napoleon... Read More

21 Must-Have Web Site Elements

Your Web site should be the cornerstone of your client... Read More

Laws of Marketing ? The 10 Immutable

Most marketers believe that anything is achievable if you are... Read More

The Secrets of?

A lot of advertising and mailings promise to reveal the... Read More

5 Print Ad Essentials!

Writing an effective print ad, particularly a classified advertisement, requires... Read More

Do You Know Where Your Marketing Dollars Are Going?

We all know the importance of marketing to increase sales... Read More

Getting Ideas for Your Postcards

If you're going to do postcard marketing on an ongoing... Read More

Marketing to Hispanics/Latinos

A powerful consumer market with annual spending power exceeding $350... Read More

Make More Money with Marketing Metrics

Do you know how effective each of your individual marketing... Read More

Want to Increase Your Business? First You Need to Understand where You are at!

Are you having trouble understanding basic situational marekting concepts? Then... Read More

Devious and Deceptive Packaging

Have you read anything in the news lately about childhood... Read More