Some of these methods are free, and the others cost very little. Why should anyone spend a great deal of money promoting a business when it is just not necessary? Some would argue that the more money you spend, the better results you will see. I just don't agree. Anything that gets your business name out there is valuable, no matter what it costs.



Look at the following free and affordable methods that many people use:

1. Email signatures (free)

2. Flyers (inexpensive)

3. Magnetic car signs (nominal cost)

4. Business cards (inexpensive)

5. Article writing (free)

6. Forums (free)

7. Classified ads (both free and nominal cost)

8. Websites (nominal cost)

9. Brochures (inexpensive)

10. Bumper stickers (inexpensive)

Let's look at these individually. Each time you send an email, which is then forwarded to each recipient's address list, and so on; consider how many sets of eyes are seeing your email signature, which includes your website address or business information.

When you leave flyers on public bulletin boards or restroom stall doors, imagine how many people are looking at your business information.

In the course of your daily activities, numerous people see your car sign advertising your business.

If you leave your business card at every business that you enter, send them out with each bill you pay, and leave one with every tip for every meal, you could be advertising to dozens of people each day.

When you submit a well-written, informative article to the article directories, your article may be picked up and re-printed by someone else on their website, with your resource box information attached, which of course lists your website address.

Participating in forums and providing valuable input makes you appear very knowledgeable and lends credibility to you and your business.

Classified ads, both online and offline, are seen daily by tons of people.

Some say that a business website is not necessary, but it is the best way to market yourself, and not your opportunity, first.

Business brochures left in each business that you enter, especially those with waiting rooms, is a great way to advertise. After all, what else do people in waiting rooms have to do?

Placing a business bumper sticker on your vehicle ensures that everyone behind you in traffic sees the ad for your business.

All of these methods used together give your business a lot of exposure. Of course, you may not be comfortable using all of them. You could select just a few of the ten listed here and still be promoting your business effectively.

About half of the promotion methods that I mention in this article are online, the other half are offline methods. Whether you prefer to use only online methods, or to advertise only in the offline world, there are plenty of free and low-cost ways to do it. If you use your imagination, I am sure you could come up with some great ideas of your own.

The bottom line is you don't have to spend a lot of money to get the word out. Each of these free and inexpensive methods works just as well, in my humble opinion. If you are looking for ways to let others know about you, I recommend that you try some of these ideas before spending your hard-earned money on expensive advertising.