Starting your own company can be difficult, and getting the word about it even more so. Yet there are free ways to advertise your business online that will make things much easier. Having a great business model, manufacturing an awesome product, or offering an incredible service sometimes isn’t enough to make it in our competitive market. Why? Well, new companies tend to face the common problem of reaching their desired audience, meaning customers might be out there, but they are not aware of the existence of your firm or the goods it offers.
In order to reach a broader scope of potential clients, companies have no other option than to advertise their products and services. However, not everyone has the money necessary to promote their business. For those who find themselves in this situation, rest assured that there are also free ways to advertise your business online. Opting for spreading the word online has two key benefits: a wide range of customers can be reached, without spending a single dime!
If your firm is already active online, then you might also want to read one of our previous posts regarding the 6 best eCommerce platforms for small businesses. We created that list in order to provide great information regarding ways to improve sales, keeping in mind that the shift towards doing business online today is greater than ever. As stated before, the internet has the benefit of always offering no-cost alternatives, meaning new companies can compete with more established firms without pouring a fortune into their venture. This was what inspired the following list of the seven free ways to advertise your business online, which we hope you not only enjoy, but put to good use.
7. Listing Services
A great way to generate free advertising for your business is by using the listing services of the big three: Google Places, Yahoo! Local and Bing Places. In order to take advantage of these services, you need to register your company with the desired search engine, which only requires you to complete a form and go through a confirmation process. The whole thing takes just a few minutes, and the benefit of appearing on Google Maps and other search engines is huge.
We have six more great free ways to advertise your business online. Check them out and start spreading your word!
6. Use Social Media
Businesses have learned to use social media in a very smart way, so be sure to keep in mind that Facebook and Twitter have more than one use. By posting regularly on these websites and linking back to your business, you will be able to reach a broader audience without investing a single dime.
5. Blogs
If you have the spare time, be sure to consider starting a blog. This is not only a great way to advertise your firm and products for free, but also allows for a greater exchange between yourself and your customers. New products can be presented and explained in detail, while users can leave important feedback.
4. YouTube and Flickr
TV commercials are not only expensive to make, but also to broadcast. YouTube however allows businesses to post their promotional videos on the internet for free, thus allowing you to lure in new customers. Posting pictures is another great way to present the goods and services offered by your firm, while linking back to your website can help generate additional traffic.
3. Search Engine Optimization
In today’s world, everyone uses Google to find what they are looking for, so be sure to be up-to-date on matters concerning search engine optimization. If you do everything right, your business will appear far more often in search engines, thus increasing the amount of potential customers reaching your website.
2. Press Releases
If you want to promote your business, don’t be shy about sharing news with the world. Whether a new product is about to be released, or another significant change is occurring, be sure to contact websites dedicated to this cost-free media tool.
1. Online Communities
A great way to advertise your business online for free is by joining an online community. Of course, you need to find the right niche first, but once that is done, simply remember to post on the forums on a regular basis. If done right, you can get users interested in the company and its products.
