creative advertising ideas - cost effective way to promote your business

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Creative Advertising Ideas - Low Cost Ways To Promote Your Business

The following creative advertising ideas help you spend your marketing dollars wisely and get the most production for your money and effort.

When you are self-employed, every bit counts.

But remember-

Advertising is just one way to promote your business, but advertising alone won't make or break your business.

The key is to understand the value of smart selling.

Here are a few ideas for you:

1) Free Email Advertising

If you still haven’t been sending out regular email to your past or potential clients, you are missing out. Keep the message punchy and to the point – and don’t be pushy!

If you are willing to do it on your own, it really won’t cost you anything but time. When done properly, these email newsletters bring great results.

However, creating content can be time consuming and if you put too many sales pitches in these newsletters, you may lose subscribers down the road. (Read more here about email newsletters.)

2) Business cards

Your business cards are probably one of the most overlooked creative advertising ideas. If you look around, you’ll find pretty good deals with unique and professional designs on business cards.

Avoid the urge to take deals of 1000 simple cards for 29 dollars when you just start out. Most likely you’ll change the look of your cards often in the first couple years.

So if the design and statement don’t stand out, your clients will throw away your cards and so will you. Make sure you test different looks and images, and only order large amount when it’s likely to be permanent.

Print your telephone number, email and web address on the card to get the best result, and any social media link. Distribute your business cards as often as possible and wherever possible.

3) Community involvement

I can’t address enough the importance of getting active in the community. Be seen, be busy and be interested in whatever group or cause you choose. When you do, people will take note.

Your community involvement also validates that you are credible and someone of good character. There’s a connection there that can’t be cheaply replicated. People like to spend money with small businesses that also have a social conscience. Givers get.

4) Team up with other professionals or small business

One of the highly effective creative advertising ideas is to co-ad with other professionals such as accountants, lawyers, writers, web designers etc.

You can also advertise with other small businesses that provide services relevant to your field.

But remember, be wise! Research potential pairings just as you would a possible business partner. People relate strength to team work.

If you can find a few businesses to link with, you will grow your reputation exponentially.

5) Free newspaper advertising

Other than classifieds, many local newspapers offer business sections where new businesses can fill out a form online and get a chance to tell a story about your business.

Or better yet, get in the news! Many local papaers are eager to write stories about small businesses. Just pitch a news-wrothy story!

6) Advertising on web

You can almost find anything on web these days. Sites such as Craiglist has more than just yard sales and rental postings. People also look to Craigslist when they are hiring.

Just make sure you read their guidelines and review and proof your advertisement carefully before posting.

These creative advertising ideas are only a part of a successful marketing strategy. You still have to do other things to attract clients and business. That includes social networking, publicity, blogging, service development, referrals etc.

It’s a process of trial and error. You have to do it consistently and keep improving. As your message and marketing grows, so will your business.

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