Most people starting up their own business don’t have a big budget or very little to spend on their marketing efforts. But do you really need to spend a huge amount anyway? With social media playing a huge role in many companies marketing strategies it’s cut the cost of most marketing budgets.
Below are my favourite top 10 FREE marketing strategies that I use and personally can recommend. The important thing to remember is to be consistent with your marketing and to do it regularly. I would recommend doing each of the following on a weekly basis. I have seen amazing results and you can too!
1. Youtube
Youtube was founded in February 2005 and now is ranked No. 4 of the top sites on the web. It has millions of people watching video’s every day so is a great way to increase your SEO (make sure you choose your key words wisely) by driving people to your website(s). Don’t be shy about networking on Youtube as well. Post comments and build up a subscription base. Youtube is a really great way to not only drive traffic to your website but also generate business. Check out my channel here
2. Article Submission
Writing articles and submitting them to the various directories is another free and great method to bring people to your website. It also helps you become an expert within your chosen niche. There are many article directories that you can submit to, below are my favourite ones:
EzineArticles
GoArticles
WebProNews
ArticleDashboard
3. Blogging
Blogging is an excellent method that should be used as part of your online marketing plan. It is a great way for getting people connected to you and drives people to your website. By posting regularly you also raise your profile online. One of the most immediate great things about blogging is getting people to comment and seeing discussions start. This gains interest to the blog and back to your company, particularly if you do it well and consistently.
You can set up a blog for free. I recommend using http://www.wordpress.com or http://www.blogger.com
Check out my blog here
4. Twitter
Twitter would have to be the fastest growing site on the web today. It is currently ranked 13th of the most used websites on the web and is taking the internet by a storm. There are around 10,000+ new users per day signing up to join.
Twitter is best described as a micro blogging platform. You are limited to 140 characters each time you do an update, which initially, may seem a small amount. However, as you become more experienced, it’s just amazing what you can fit into 140 characters.
Twitter is one huge global chat room, but then again, it doesn’t have to be. It all depends on how many people you follow on Twitter.
I highly recommend using Twitter for business, it’s a fabulous way to drive traffic to your website as well as gain business. Follow me here
5. Facebook
Facebook is the 2nd most used website on the web (after Google). It’s a social utility that connects people, to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos. It’s also a fabulous way to promote your business, drive traffic to your website and gain new business. Connect with me on Facebook here
6. Squidoo
Squidoo is a popular publishing platform and community that makes it easy for you to create “lenses” online. Lenses are pages, kind of like flyers or signposts or overview articles, that gather everything you know about your topic of interest. Another great free way of promoting your business and driving traffic to your website. Check out my lens here
7. Free Classified ads
There are various websites where you can place a classified advert for free. Here are my favourites:
http://uk.freeads.net/#
http://www.vivastreet.co.uk/
http://www.classifieds.co.uk/#
http://www.freeukclassifieds.co.uk/
8. Ecademy
Ecademy is a Social Business Network founded in 1998. Ecademy enables business people to connect through online networking as well as business networking events. You are also able to post blogs, and “marketplace listings”. Ecademy is a great way to generate business together with driving people to your website. Connect with me here
9. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries with over 48 million members. LinkedIn is another great online network which raises your profile online, drives people to your business and generates business. Connect with me here
10. Network
Okay the last free place is pretty obvious but often forgotten. I recently went to one of my daughter’s friend’s birthday party. I met a guy that I hadn’t seen for ages and, of course we got talking. I had no idea that he was interested in Online Marketing and when I told him about what I was doing now he was incredibly keen and wanted to know more about it. He also had a few friends who liked the opportunity. (By the way after the party we got chatting via Facebook too!) Networking amongst your friends, family, colleagues and wider circles is a huge and incredibly powerful way to get business. People buy from those they like and trust, and who better to buy from you?
Don’t forget to do simple measures to ensure that you can network wherever you go! Always take your business cards with you and don’t be afraid to talk business at social gatherings.
I hope the above tips help you. There are many more free places to promote your business, but these are just a few to get you started! It’s important to remember that effective marketing doesn’t always equal big budget.
Yesterday I had a wonderful day out with my 5 year old daughter. I took her to London to see Disney On Ice – which I thoroughly recommend by the way!