Most people these days turn to the internet as their first port of call when searching for a business, product or service. If your business can't be found online you will be missing out on a potential source of customers. Many businesses have their own website, but for small businesses this can be a daunting prospect. If you don't have the skills to design the site yourself you will have to pay a web designer. Even if you are able to design the website yourself there will still be costs - you will need to pay to register the domain name and to have the site hosted. All costs a small business can do without.

If you don't have your own website you can still take advantage of the internet and advertise your business online for free.

Here are some ideas for ways to promote your business online - and they wont cost you a single penny.

1) Search for sites that promote your local town, village, city or region. Many of these allow a free, basic listing.

2) Search for sites that are specific to your kind of business or business sector. Often these will also allow a free basic listing. As an example, suppose you run a bed and breakfast business. Search for sites specific to bed and breakfast accommodation until you find one or more that will allow you to add your business for free. Perhaps you are an (real) estate agent. Search for sites the agents in your area - you will probably be able to add your business name and contact details for free.

In the UK, Yell.com allows you a free listing in one category. Whichever country you live in there is probably a similar online equivalent of yellow pages.

Look at the website for your local newspaper. They might not have a business listings section, but use a little creative thinking. If you hold an event you will probably be able to list it for free in the what's on section. Put on a fund raising event. This will draw attention to your business, bring customers to your door and raise money for a good cause. Fabulous if you are a children's entertainer - your potential customers will flock to your fundraiser.

Do an internet search for business directories. Many will allow you a free listing. How do they make money for themselves? They carry paid for advertising to cover their costs. And they need you. Really. The more free adverts like yours they carry the more visitors will come to their site and the more likely they are to make money from their paid for ads.

See if you can find an online forum relevant to your business. If you do have a website of your own, most will allow you to add your website address to your signature. If you join a forum take care to be a real contributor to the discussion. If you gain the respect of other forum members they may send customers your way.

You may have friends/family/colleagues/fellow traders who have websites. They might be willing to put a small piece about your business on their site. If you have a website of your own you can offer to do the same for them (exchange links). If you don't have a site of your own they might be willing to barter. Offer them a free meal/haircut/night's b&b/whatever_service_your_business_offers.