As a small business owner, your budget for marketing and advertising is small if not non existent. That's just fine, but don't be fooled into thinking you can't have an ongoing marketing campaign without spending big bucks. Free or very low cost methods can often be just as effective as paid methods... you just have to think a little more. Here are the top ways to market your business with very little cost_
Email marketing is very low cost and free on a small scale. At the very least, keep track of your past customers so you can contact them in the future. Send your loyal customers some coupons or gift certificates. This will encourage them to shop with you or forward your emails to their friends and family.
2. Invoicing
If you send invoices to your customers, use that as an opportunity to further sell your products. This will allow you to market to the customers who may have unsubscribed from your other emails or customers who do not read your other emails.
3. Special Offers Websites
Groupon, Living Social, Double Take Deals, and the like are springing up all over the place these days. I believe its because people love to save and these deals are often 50% off. People know how to calculate 50% off therefore its easy to make the quick sale. Consider contacting these companies to advertise your deal. There are even local companies doing the same thing if you're a local business.
4. Give Something Away
Everybody loves something free. Many times, people are willing to trade their email address for a small giveaway like a pen or a sticker. If you can get an email address for the price of a pen with your logo on it, you are achieving some low cost marketing. This is a great way to generate some buzz about your product and get the attention of people that might not have heard about you otherwise.
5. Get Referrals
Your Business relies on word of mouth. If you take advantage of your customers' desire to share things they love, then your business will grow. Give an incentive for people sharing your product or service with their friends. Give them and their friend a $10 credit towards future products and services for referring someone. Do whatever you can to encourage your already paying customers to recruit new customers for you.
These 5 free and low cost methods are sure to bring you business without shelling out thousands of dollars in marketing costs. This list, however, is by no means comprehensive. Don't hesitate to get creative and find new ways to attract customers to your site and to your business. To make a free website and get online today, visit http://webstarts.com/.