It is still possible to get your name out there if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on marketing in the early phases of your business.
Before the Internet, small businesses had only a few options for inexpensive marketing, such as printing fliers or sponsoring small local events. There are now a lot of options available online; all you have to do is know where to look for.
Here are 5 free & easy ways to promote your business online:
- Make use of the major local listing services
Your business gets easier to locate on Google searches and displays on Google Maps when you register it with Google Places. Simply complete the form and register, after which your business will be authenticated through their confirmation process, which can be done over the phone or by mail. Yahoo! also has Yahoo! Local, which is a massive corporate database. It’s free, and the few minutes it takes to set up are worth it.
- Take advantage of social media
Social media is no longer just a tool for increasing visibility; it has become a necessary asset to an organisation. You can use Facebook to post ads and special deals that your business offers and Twitter to engage directly with your customers. Another way to help your startup is to connect, personally and professionally, on LinkedIn.
- Start a Blog
A blog not only helps your business gain exposure through followers but also allows you to engage with your customers on a more personal level. But keep in mind that one of the most important aspects of blogging is to keep your website or business updated as often as possible. A stale, abandoned blog is worthless.
- Your company’s website should be optimised
In the age of consistent Surfing, the importance of search engine optimization cannot be overstated. Make sure your site is ready for search engine performance by going to an online how-to-guide on SEO.
- Join and contribute to a relevant online community.
There are online communities for every niche in which you can engage. Joining a forum and making infrequent comments about your business, on the other hand, serves no one and won’t be interesting to others. Contribute to the community and create relationships while remaining unobtrusive to your company’s operations. Include a link in your signature or mention it just when the situation calls for it to quietly promote your business.
