Free Marketing Ideas

In this bad economy, we search for other ways to market our business without spending much money. People do not seem to be spending their hard earned cash like they use to which makes it more difficult to find customers. Below is a simple list of free marketing ideas. Some you will like, some not so much. You can combined a few or just focus on one. I recommend you think outside the box and try something new. Just make sure you write down what you are doing and collect reports from customers, so you can see what is working or not.* Blogging: Blog about your business or things related to your business. Nothing like talking about the newest and greatest things and having people relate to them. Share the information you have and show customers the extensive knowledge you have in your field. If blogging is not something you feel comfortable doing, why not respond to peoples' blogs. This is easy and fast to do! Make sure you leave your email and website link in order for customers to find you. This also improves your sites listings on search engines. The more links out there on the internet that come back to your site, the better off you are.* Word of Mouth: Tell everyone you know about what you do and your knowledge. Make sure you have your business cards handy and pass them out. If you do not have business cards, sign up for VistaPrint. They are really good at sending you emails when things are free. You have to pay for shipping and handling but it is worth it. You can stock up on tons of items for free!* Cold Calling: Nobody like to do this usually but it does produce results. Why do you think businesses still use this method? I call it more like Luke Warm Calling. Reason being, you find customers they may be interested in what you offer instead of people you have no idea what they want. Find your niche and focus on that.* Join Groups: Nothing like networking with other people with the same interests. There are many sites online that can hook you up with other people that enjoy getting together to share knowledge. I use Meetup.com. Some groups do charge a fee for their events but others do not. Do your research and find what best fits your needs.* Email Marketing: Nothing like sending mail without paying. No wonder the Post Office is trying to charge people for emails! Do some research online and find emails for possible customers. Shoot them an email about what you have to offer and maybe an incentive. My advice is to not over do it though. People start to consider your emails Spam if you send too often.* Charity Work: Can you offer your services for free? Help a nonprofit out! They will spread the word about you and your business. Donate an item if you can for one of their silent auctions. Join a walk and where your business shirt. Giving back to the community is a wonderful way to help others and expose your business to them.* Online Community: Make sure you join and online community or two. These are free accounts that help you post pictures, events and share information with online friends and customers. Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are the main sites to check out.I hope these tips help you establish yourself and your business. There are many other great ideas on the internet, so take the time to do your research. Think outside the box and show others what an expert you are at what you do.