Steps
- Offer your services for free to local organizations that would benefit. For instance, if you know how to build a website you could offer to help the local Humane Society get online.
- Send out press releases about your business. If you are just starting out your local paper may have a section in their paper where you can send your press release. And let the local Chamber of Commerce know about your business. They welcome new business members to the community and this can be an opportunity for a press release and/or photo op.
- Get involved in civic organizations in your area. Join the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, The Woman?s Action Group. And get to know the members. Be involved and don?t just use this as a marketing opportunity or it will backfire on you.
- Write articles about your area of expertise and submit them to local newspapers and magazines in your area. Work in some info about your business, but don?t make it too overt.
- Teach classes in your community. If your business area lends itself to a lot of special knowledge, offer to teach some free classes at local venues. Or sign up to be a teacher for Community Education classes through a local college.
- Donate a prize to a local fund raiser. If you make or sell hard goods donate one of your products, and if you have a service business donate a gift certificate for your services.
- Network with other people who have businesses compatible to yours. If you have an area of expertise that they don?t usually offer, they may recommend you to their clients.
- Offer your services at local events and venues. Are you a make-up artist? Offer to help out with a local fashion show or bridal event.
- Offer to speak at a local event or meeting. Perhaps you have a photography business. You could speak to a local travel club and give them tips on how to take great photos on their trips.
- Give away your item or services to friends and family members. This is a fast way to get word of mouth buzz about your business started ? the best kind of advertising to have!
Sources and Citations
- - How To Promote Your Business - Original source, shared with permission.
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