Top four free advertising strategies for small businesses
- Aug 14, 2009
The cost of advertising can be too much for some small businesses to handle while they're simply trying to stay in business. We love Entrepreneur magazine's list of free advertising solutions. If you stick with the strategies that work for your industry, you'll see the payoff.
- Be a great public speaker
Professional meeting planners are always looking for presenters and workshop leaders
for conferences. Research contact names in the Directory of Meeting
Planners or start with your local Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club.
If, like most people, you dread the thought of public speaking, join
your local Toastmasters [https://www.toastmasters.org/] club; this is
also a great way to meet potential customers. When you do get the
opportunity to make a presentation, be sure to collect business cards
for a drawing to win a book or other prize related to your business. - Teach an adult education course
This is an excellent way for customers to see you as an expert and help
advertise your business. This works especially well for
service-oriented businesses such as financial planning, healthcare or
tax preparation. Simply call your local school district or community
college where adult education courses are offered. Better yet, offer
free or inexpensive seminars at libraries, restaurant event rooms or a
friend’s office. - Reward referrals
One of the best ways to get new customers is to enlist the help of your
current ones. Offer a reward of free merchandise or services for any
lead that turns into new business. If you publish a catalogue, include
a card where customers can provide the name and address of someone else
who might want to receive one. When you get a new customer from a
referral, be sure to send the source a personalized thank you note
along with their reward.