Low Cost Marketing Ideas for Business Start Ups

If there’s one thing every new business owner knows, it’s that marketing and advertising are two of the most important expenses, and that without them; your business is unlikely to thrive.

The trouble is, for most entrepreneurs working to get a business start up off the ground, the amount of money you have in your budget is limited, and trying to cover all the costs is a juggling act worthy of a circus professional!

Because we know how hard it can be, to make sure your business gets enough exposure, and still to stay within your budget, we’ve put together a list of low or no cost marketing ideas for your new business:

1. Put your advertising on your car.  No matter what business you’re in, you’re still going to have to drive around sometime.  So while you’re building your new business, brand your car, and advertise your services everywhere you go!
2. Write an article for a local newspaper, trade publication, or magazine.  Print ads cost money, but most publications are always on the lookout for great editorials, and you can usually include information about your business at the end of your article.
3. Write a press release.  Even easier than writing for a print publication, you can write a press release about anything newsworthy that your business does, and submit it to online sites, free!
4. Get a website.  You can register a domain for less than the cost of a take out meal, and with free website services like Weebly and Yola, hosting and site design doesn’t have to cost you anything.
5. Have t-shirts printed with your company information on them, and wear them wherever you go.  Get your family and friends to wear them too, or donate them to a local sports team.  Walking billboards make great ads!
6. Get involved in a charity organisation or event.  Even if you only volunteer your time, newspapers often run stories about charities, and they’re a good way to publicise your company, and do some good.
7. If you’re marketing to a specific type of business, do some research, and find out who the people who make decisions at those businesses are, and then send them a branded gift and an information pack.
8. Start a blog, or create a social networking page or group.  Whether you choose a social network like Face book, or a business-networking group like Linked In, you can target your message much more this way.
9. Join local business networking groups.  Many of these are free to join, and put you in contact with other business owners, who might have valuable leads to trade with you.
10. Get involved in forums that relate to your business.  No matter what you do, and how you do it, there are forums on the internet that will put you in touch with potential business partners, clients, and mentors.  Getting involved, and including your company information is a great way to boost your profile, and get people interested.

 The truth is, there are plenty of great, low cost ways that you can market and publicise your new business without breaking the bank.  Whatever you choose to do, as long as you’re doing it consistently and well, and as long as you do something, every day, to market or advertise your business start up, you will get there, sooner or later.

Don’t think of marketing or advertising a new business on a tiny budget as difficult or unpleasant – think of it as an investment in your company’s future, and a way to exercise your creativity!