When people think about promoting their business, the first thought that comes to mind is, “What is is going to cost?” While marketing and advertising should be part of any well-considered budget, there are a number of opportunities to market your business for free that are often overlooked.
Your Existing Memberships & Affiliations
Clubs & Organizations
Most clubs and organizations have some sort of membership directory, either online or in print, sometimes both. Make sure that your business information is complete and accurate. Organizations also often have member spotlights or bios. If an organization that you are a member of offers this, be sure to submit your information.
Professional Associations
If you are a member of a professional association, be sure to provide all of your company details, along with your website url, for listing in their directory.
Your Local Community
Community Web Sites
There are a number of community web sites that offer free business directory listings. Just in the Kingwood area we have kingwood.com, gokingwood.com, kingwoodconnection.com, kingwoodnow.com, and kingwoodtexas.com.
Local Businesses
Many local businesses offer a place to leave business cards or flyers.
Networking Meetings
Attend networking meetings and have a brief (30 seconds) description of your business ready. If the meeting allows promotional material to be handed out, have flyers or coupons on hand.
Your Personal Presence
Business Cards
Hand your business card to every person that you meet.
Email Signatures
In the October issue of the newsletter, “Making the Most of Your Web Site,” we covered using your email to promote your business.
Public Speaking
Look for opportunities to speak on topics related to your business.
Content & Publicity
Articles
Write informative articles on subjects that are pertinent to your business and submit it to area web sites, newspapers, magazines, and newsletters.
Press Releases
Write a press release and submit it to local and national news sources. There are countless topics for press releases, new products, services, awards, and events. If something exciting happened to your or your business, let people know about it.
Online Forums
Become a resident expert in an online forum that is either related to your business or is in your area
Events & Sponsorships
Business Bags
Many events and conferences offer business bags to attendees. Sometimes you have to be a sponsor or advertiser to include your promotional items, but many times the organizers are just looking for things to fill the bags and leave it open to anyone who supplies items.
Ads
Yes, sometimes ads can be free. I’ve offered this when I need to fill a space and I’m short on time. If an opportunity like this presents itself, you need to have an ready to go.
Take Full Advantage of Opportunities Available
I’ve put together a lot of different types of promotional packages: newsletter, programs, directories, online directories, and sponsor packages. No matter what the format, there are always people that miss out of opportunities, even ones that they have paid for, because they didn’t submit their information on time. So have a plan of action and be prepared.
Ready to Get Started?
Would you like to start developing your own customer conversations? Schedule a time to discuss content marketing and promotion options for your business.
The day after this newsletter went out, I attended a Kingwood Chamber luncheon where the speaker, who was on my email list, covered these same points pretty much verbatim. That was the first time I noticed my work showing up somewhere without my name on it.
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