Listings in the company’s local area are a great place to advertise for free. In addition, there is nothing better than networking with local customers and fellow businesses.
Sites dedicated to reviews can help businesses just starting out gather positive reviews, attract new clients, and increase local visibility.
Many business owners wonder how to take advantage of these websites, and the answer is that the process is simple. Typically, all one needs to do is sign up, create an account, and then add the company’s information to the site. But first, ensure the address and other information are correct, and we suggest adding some high-quality images to the review site.
One of the best things about websites such as Foursquare, Mapquest, Yelp, Google Businesses, Merchant Circle, and TripAdvisor is that they are free to join.
Although the heavy, giant yellow pages may be a thing of the past, some websites echo this useful idea. From Yahoo Local to Superpages to Whitepages, these websites offer a unique opportunity to find exposure for a new business.
It is important to note that not all of these websites are free anymore, but the costs are still relatively low for the sites that have begun charging businesses. Therefore, these tools are still worth looking at because they can help businesses easily manage their different web-based listings.
Nextdoor is an up-and-coming website that helps businesses connect with clients in their immediate neighborhoods. Nextdoor’s communities are notoriously active and engaged, so when a business establishes itself and joins the website, it should expect questions and community interest, which is great for business.
Nextdoor also offers Business Pages for companies; even better, this easy-to-use advertising is free. In addition, businesses can customize their pages with information, photos, the company’s story, and useful links.
When businesses sign up for Nextdoor, they can also use the Local Deals feature, which allows them to send coupons and sales information to select communities. On Nextdoor, businesses can also collect recommendations, which amplify the business’ search results visibility.
Nextdoor does require some time and effort, but we find that if business owners put in the effort, the website helps increase local visibility.
Yelp Business pages are a top-notch resource for businesses, small and large. However, many companies already have a Yelp listing they may not be aware of, so first, check the accuracy of that listing. Then, claim the company’s Yelp Business Page and add the correct information.
Add links, business hours, photos, and the company logo on the Yelp Business website. Also, we recommend responding to customers who write reviews, even if the review is not positive. When business owners interact with customers online, their ratings rise.
For larger companies, simply delegate: give an employee the task of engaging with customers online. For example, yelp Business is a popular place to solicit and earn reviews, so there should be no shortage of customer interactions as the business’ popularity grows.
Google remains one of the most popular search engines, so it makes sense for companies to ensure that their Google profiles are up-to-date and optimized. In addition, Google offers various ways for customers to discover new businesses, from Search to Maps. Google is open about the fact that they want searchers to find the best local results possible.
Getting involved with Google is easy. First, create a business profile with Google Business. Next, add all necessary information, such as name, address, hours, means of contact, and logo. Then, register the business with Google Places since this will make the company discoverable on Maps. Google Analytics can also help businesses determine which keywords are most effective in publicizing the business. It will be helpful to learn more about analytics and search rankings.
Adobe’s Behance is an outstanding new resource for a specific type of business, namely those in the creative fields. Photographers, those in graphic design, and other creatives will love the fact that Behance unlocks a vast, interesting online portfolio full of similar artistic talent.
Behance provides small businesses the chance to display their talents and creative accomplishments. For those in the artistic field, Behance is worth a look.
- Newspapers and Local Television News
In a world ruled by the internet, why not try an old-school solution to securing exposure? Many entrepreneurs and business owners find that when they approach local newspaper writers directly, there is a good chance the writers will provide some coverage to their companies.
Local newspapers, magazines, and TV shows are constantly looking for new local businesses to join forces with. These outlets are more apt to cover a business if they do something new and interesting or involve themselves with the community in some manner.
There are variations to this strategy, too. Try craigslist for its nearly-free classified ad selection, or search out local web-based “TV” shows for a modern twist on an old classic.
Google may have much of the web’s search popularity covered, but Bing is an up-and-coming search engine that helps many companies improve their reach. Creating a Bing Business profile is easy.
First, claim the business name and then verify the existing listing. Next, add all of the company’s relevant information. Finally, do not forget to add some high-quality pictures and ensure that the contact information is correct so prospective clients can get in touch.
Once the company’s Bing Business profile is all set, the business owner can begin harnessing Bing’s unique energy and clientele.
Today, the internet is ubiquitous, which is why it is so useful for business advertising. However, cars are also still everywhere, so why not use a vehicle for advertising the business?
This simple vehicle-based strategy is a smart choice for new small businesses because if the company has a car, the rest of the idea is cost-free.
All business needs to place signage on the car or truck and park it in a visible space. Of course, the more interesting and colorful the signage, the better, but make sure that the business name is clear. Now, just wait for people to walk or drive by.
Depending on the nature of the business, it may boost exposure to offer a free workshop to the public. This option can help business owners network with prospective clients and provide a transformative learning experience.
For example, a new financial planner can offer a free planning session at a local library and pick up a few new clients. Plus, usually, the organization—a club or homeowner’s association—will help the company advertise the workshop.
A more active yet still effective choice is to begin blogging. While writing on a set schedule takes time and effort, company blogging is free and is also proven to create more clicks and follows, which translates to more business.
Blogging also gives a new business a chance to tell its story to the local community, the nation, and even the world.
If the business owner is not comfortable writing a blog, they can usually find an employee or partner who will volunteer to create content on a schedule that works for them. Blogs can also be reused and redistributed; for example, a blog that creates public interest can go live on Yelp or Google Business.
Some blogs have been established for years and boast thousands of readers daily. So when a business owner can write a guest blog on one of these sites, the resulting exposure can prove transformative.
Try networking with well-known companies that have powerful blogs. Of course, the worst thing they can say is “no,” but many businesses in the same industry are keen to help each other. Working together with a more established business could also yield a helpful long-term partnership, especially if your company has something to offer in return.
Blogging may create a buzz with words and descriptions, but merchandise displays work with the physical embodiment of the business. Of course, not every business has physical items for sale, but for those that do, finding a traffic-heavy spot to display the business’ wares is a great advertising option.
For example, a local photographer might contract with a new restaurant in town and provide them with decorations in exchange for exposure. These types of partnerships can be lucrative and long-lasting. Also, industries without physical items can get creative with displays; for example, a company that develops software could set up an interactive display screen that shows what their software can do.
Help a Reporter Out, or HARO is a way that company professionals can network with journalists. Essentially, a business owner can ask to become a source for journalists.
What does the business owner or partner receive in exchange? First, their business gets free public relations help from the journalist’s source, which is not bad.
Free advertising comes in many forms, and here is one of the most fundamental. Creating flyers is a method that has been around for decades, and the reason is that flyers work to attract not only attention but new clients.
Once the business creates a colorful, informative flyer, the next step is to find optimal places to hang them, where prospective clients and customers may see them. Local coffee shops are a good place to start since many offer a bulletin board for this very purpose.
For more adventurous business owners or those seeking exercise, why not take a walk through local neighborhoods and leave flyers at different houses or on car windows?
For freelancers, Fiverr is a new online marketplace with global reach. This resource may sound expensive, but it is free for users.
Businesses that do not yet have a designated advertising budget can market services such as podcast editing, website design, and software design.
First, create a Fiverr business profile for free, and then begin selling. The only catch is that Fiverr keeps approximately 20% of each sale the business makes, but for some startups, the exposure and new customers are worth it.
Even as our means of communication wax and wane, email stays constant not only in the business sphere, but everywhere. Email advertising is a terrific tool for businesses, but businesses must be careful not to spam and alienate prospective customers.
First, create an email list of people who willingly signed up. Then choose a software (MailChimp is a good one that has a free starting plan), and create a plan and a schedule.
Email marketing is proven to provide effective outreach, but take caution and build it slowly. Many receive hundreds of unnecessary emails daily and might overlook another marketing email. We recommend a consistent and occasional email schedule and a simple, clean look to the messages. Think about it: what type of emails do you enjoy reading?
It is true: the big yellow book still exists! If phone books are still delivered in the company’s local area, why not list the business on its pages?
This idea may seem overly antiquated, but it is not: the Yellow Pages now has an online contingent, and over 50 million people still use this traditional tool when searching for new businesses.
The Yellow Pages offer free listings; if the company’s target audience is older than average, this tool can provide effective outreach. But we find that combining traditional advertising and more modern strategies works best.
The White Pages offer another traditional yet effective way for new small businesses to advertise for free. Over 30 million prospective clients search the White Pages monthly, and creating a listing is free, so what do companies have to lose?
We’ve seen a rebirth in talented artisans over the last few years, and there are more customers in search of crafts and locally made goods. So, where can artisans sell their wares?
The answer is Amazon Handmade, a spot for artisans to set up a free business profile and add pictures of their goods. While using Handmade is free, Amazon does take a referral fee of approximately 15% per sale. However, artisan’ and artists’ reviews have painted the service in an overwhelmingly positive light.
One may only think of Amazon’s self-publishing methods as helpful to authors, but this platform also helps small companies develop. Businesses can use Kindle publishing as an advertising platform, generating customer interest by creating and publishing niche Ebooks.
For example, a successful entrepreneur starting a new venture can target customer interest by publishing an Ebook full of business experience and know-how.
Etsy is another site for creatives, artisans, and artists to find their unique consumer bases. For example, let’s say that a small business sews custom-made sweaters or creates exquisite handmade wooden picture frames. Etsy provides a place to set up a beautiful shop, replete with images and reviews, for free.
Similar to Amazon Handmade, Etsy does utilize some fees. It costs to list each item, and the seller also must pay fees per transaction. However, Etsy is popular, with many high reviews from local and national artists.
Consumer service hubs offer an easy way to advertise for service industry jobs such as house cleaners and trades such as carpentry and painting.
Many sites, such as Porch, do not charge small businesses to set up a profile. When someone needs a house painter, a landscaper, or a cleaner, they usually go straight to the web. Consumer service hubs normally pop up in those searches, so setting up a profile is an obvious business advantage.
It is useful to note that entrepreneurs need to pay for some features, but the baseline services are normally free for most consumer hubs. So feel free to shop around to find what suits your company’s needs.
Angie’s list is a consumer service hub that is so effective it requires its category. An online directory that has stood the test of time, Angie’s list helps those who work in contracting connect with local customers. The list offers many free tools, too.
Begin by creating a free business listing, then add reviews, photos, the company logo, and contact information. Do not forget to add links to the company’s website, so customers can follow the link for a job quote.
Remember when Foursquare was only a networking tool? Now, the adaptable company helps power other companies’ location data, such as rideshare giants Uber. Even better for startups, Foursquare offers free business listings for companies.
The first thing to do is simple: claim the Foursquare listing for the business. Then, carefully enter the important business information clients need. After that, the business will appear on Foursquare whenever users use the service or any of its partners.
Holding contests for customers is an inventive way to drive up business, and the only cost may come from prizes. However, if businesses give away their goods or services, they are not losing very much and may gain lifelong customers.
Contests also show clients that the business is not only a profit-making machine and that the owners care about the community and enjoy a little fun once in a while.
It may seem as though every business advertises on the crowded fields of Bing and Google, but why not take the time to explore some other engines? For example, businesses can list themselves in Apple Maps for free and Yandex. The more creative entrepreneurs can get on the internet, the better. New search engines offer new segments of the population, which translates to new customers.
Search Engine Optimization may sound complex, but it simply means that an SEO expert can help a company’s ads stand out when someone searches for a similar topic.
Businesses may need to pay for an SEO expert, or learn the trade, but it will be worth it when their website traffic increases. Also, once the website’s pages are “optimized,” there are no recurring charges.
When entrepreneurs are up for it, speaking engagements can be a great way to connect with customers and other businesses. Verbally promoting the company at conferences, benefits, and more targets new audiences and can stir up interest in the new brand. Plus, not only are speaking engagements free, but usually the speaker receives a stipend, or at least food and accommodation in return.
One of the keys to finding a suitable speaking opportunity is drawing up a proposal. Business owners should explain why their company is right for the role and mention their business acumen and speaking experience.
Donations are not normally “free,” but many businesses give time and effort to nonprofits in exchange for exposure. For example, a company may ask its employees to participate in a charity walk or help with a food bank.
Not only will events like these help local communities, but they will also make everyone feel a part of something bigger than themselves. Additionally, local news often covers nonprofit events, so exposure is a sure thing.
Yard signs are another traditional option that takes the business off the web and onto the street. While some entrepreneurs put signs for their companies in their own yards, you can also ask pleased customers if they would mind having a sign in their yard.
Often, those in the trades use yard signs to publicize their businesses, such as landscapers and house painters. However, retail businesses also advertise their surrounding property with clear, colorful signage.
The Social Media Category
Social media is such a potent tool that it requires its category within our free advertising list. Not only does social media provide an easy way to speak directly to customers, but social media also is a free tool that helps with branding.
From videos to pictures to vlogs, if a business creates strong content, it is guaranteed that the company’s followers will grow in number and sales.
Keep in mind that social media is a powerful tool, but it requires a lot of work in updating content and checking back often. It might make sense to designate some of these duties to employees (the younger, the better) or start with only 2-3 accounts and see how things go. Using a few accounts meaningfully is more advantageous than spreading the company thin over ten social media profiles and never updating them.
Facebook’s traditional platform is used by millions of people worldwide every day, but its business platform offers small businesses a variety of tools and customizable options.
It is easy to create a Facebook Business page, and best of all, it is free. First, upload the company’s contact information, hours, photos, videos, and more, and then make sure to consistently interact with customers, new and old. Posting reviews, speaking with clients, and staying active with pictures and videos contribute to a strong Facebook Business presence.
Facebook’s traditional interface works in tandem with Facebook business, so entrepreneurs should promote their companies with Facebook and Facebook Business. The more pages, the more visibility. Also, try out Facebook Groups for networking. For example, if the company offers carpentry services, find the contracting and trades groups and join up.
Pinterest is a social media site with a unique platform and a strong following. The best part about Pinterest is that it does not require as much effort or time as some of the other platforms.
Here is what to do: Create a pin of the company’s products using photos. Then add descriptions and links to the pinned pages. These actions allow users to “pin” images of your products to their boards. Ideally, some users go beyond “pinning,” head to the company website, and make a purchase.
Instagram has taken off among users of all ages. The platform makes it easy to share images and videos, so it is perfect for business ventures that focus on visuals, such as fashion brands.
If Instagram fits your business, add links whenever possible to drive traffic to the business’s official website.
Twitter is an excellent fit for consultants, journalists, and experts striving to be “thought leaders.” However, the platform is also full of “thought police” and increasingly volatile.
Twitter can still help entrepreneurs get the word out about their businesses, and it makes sense to set up an account and network with local and national businesses in your industry.
YouTube has many functions, but part of its appeal rests in instruction and learning. For example, many people turn to YouTube to learn how to fix the garbage disposal or set up Microsoft Word on their computers.
How can this help to strive small businesses? First, create a company YouTube account and try setting up how-to videos on topics related to the goods and services that the company sells. Make sure to add links and contact information, and check back on the account often.
LinkedIn helps businesses sell to other businesses. Make sure that both the company’s members and the company have LinkedIn profiles. Freelancers can use LinkedIn Profinder to find leads, too.
Reddit is all about dialogue, and many entrepreneurs do not take the website seriously. However, it can pay dividends if a business begins trending on Reddit. Keep in mind that Reddit has serious power and that it can help small businesses gain big followers.
Continuing to Advertise Effectively
Many entrepreneurs find a few effective means of advertising, set up their accounts, and then move on to other tasks. However, excellent advertising requires continued effort and a growing body of knowledge.
Once businesses begin advertising for free, they should do the following things:
- Keep track of free sites helping the business gain the most exposure.
- Consider joining 2-3 “paid” sites or accessing the paid versions of the sites that are working well, depending on the business’ budget.
- Continually update business listings as they change, for example, if the business moves or expands into a new office or if the products are available in new stores.
- Update customer reviews as they arrive and solicit new reviews
- Streamline the company’s online business profiles and make them interactive with videos, photos, blogs, and more
- Use the business profiles to “talk to” customers and “talk with” customers. Establish dialogue and earn customers’ interest and respect.
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