If you run a local small business, advertising all over the world doesn’t make much sense. Sure, you can target specific geographical keywords in search engines and on your website, but sometimes, your marketing budget is better spent marketing to clients who live in your area. Here are 7 low cost local small business advertising methods you can use.
- Business Cards – No matter how big or small your business, you need business cards. Many companies offer inexpensive, professional-looking cards in a variety of styles. A great place to find an attractive design for your business cards, stationary and brochures is www.stocklayouts.com. You simply purchase a template design, modify it, and take it to your local printer or an online printer like www.printing4less.com. Consider using the back of your card to advertise a free report or discount coupon.
- Flyers – If you know who you are targeting, printing flyers can help you market your business. Think about where your target market gathers and place your flyers in that location. For instance, many colleges have kiosks where you can place your flyers if you target college students. Many coffee shops or grocery stores like Whole Foods have a bulletin board to staple flyers. Sometimes, community centers and gyms allow members to leave flyers in a designated area. And sometimes, you can partner with other local businesses to exchange flyers – you hand out theirs and they will hand out yours.
- Press releases – A press release is a short announcement you send out to local newspapers and magazines that describes something new with your company. For instance, you launch a new product, take on a high-profile client, host an educational seminar, or announce the results of your own market research study.
- Business directories – There are numerous business directories both online and offline where you can advertise your company. Many trade organizations, like your local Chamber of Commerce, have member directories you can buy ads in. In addition, online sites like CitySearch.com and Yelp.com offer ways to promote your business online.
- Community events – Consider setting up a table at local community events and handing out freebies or purchasing sponsorship for local school events.
- Religious advertising – Some religious organizations, like Catholic churches, sell advertising on the back of their bulletins. Usually, the costs are very reasonable for the number of people you reach.
- Pro-bono or community service work – Consider offering a high-profile charity pro-bono work or participating in some type of community service project that the media will be covering.
Inexpensive small business advertising opportunities for local businesses are all around you if you know where to look. Focus on where your target market is and look for ways to reach them.
