Advertising can be expensive, however when you’re just starting out or are a small business, you might not have the budget for numerous ad campaigns. With that in mind, we’ve gathered 10 ways you can advertise your business for free and potentially reach new customers.
1. Set up a Facebook Page
Social media is fast becoming the norm for many people, and Facebook is the number one social media platform, the good news is anyone can set up a Facebook page and the even better news is its free!
Looking to set up a Facebook Page? We’ve got our blog Setting Up a Business Facebook Page for you to have a look at.
2. Set a Twitter Account
Although Twitter has less monthly users than Facebook it still has more than 284 million active users per month – which obviously is a massive audience for your business and you can advertise to for free.
Want to set up a Twitter Account? Have a look at our blog for Setting Up a Business Twitter Account.
3. Set up a TripAdvisor Page
If you own a restaurant, guest house, bed and breakfast or hotel, having a TripAdvisor could really boost your brand awareness. As people will be using TripAdvisor to find businesses in their area why not make sure they can find you? Also you may get some really good reviews for your business which can be the difference of someone choosing your business over a competitor and of course this is for free!
Want to get your business on TripAdvisor? Have a look at our blog to Get Your Business on TripAdvisor.
4. Set up a Google Business Page
Setting up a Google Business Page is the quickest way to get your business on Google. Having a Google business page means that your business will come up on Search, Maps or Google+. By setting up the page you can give customers the correct information like what your opening times are, a clickable phone number and directions to your business – this information could be key to customers.
Want to get a Google Business Page? Have a look at our blog to Set Up a Google Business Page.
5. Set up a Yell Listing
Yell.com is the online version of the big old yellow pages, by advertising your business on Yell.com you can advertise your business to a massive audience all for free. If you provide your details to Yell.com you get your business in: Yell.com, Yell.com Mobile, Your local Yellow Pages and the 118 24 7 telephone directory.
Yell.com allows you to add opening times, photos, videos and offers or promotions, which will allow you to give your customers all the correct information whilst being listed on Google! Get your business on Yell.com here.
6. Have an Email Signature
When we were looking at our Google analytics, we realised there was a large amount of new users coming to our site directly. As we have an email signature with links to our website and social media sites I wondered whether people where clicking them links.
I used URL builder to tag the link so I could see if people were actually coming via the email signature, on the first day there was around 50 users who came via our email. It’s clear that your email signature could drive interested customers directly to your site.
7. Blog
Blogging is a free way for you to attract new and interested customers to your site. By updating your blog multiple times in the month it means your website is up to date and producing new content. Also by creating new content you’re more likely to get people ‘stumbling’ on your blogs!
Struggling to come up with some topic for your blogs? Have a look at HubSpot’s Blog Topic Generator and you’ll be write on your way! Wondering whether your blog titles will be good enough? CoShedule has developed a ‘write better headline’ system that scores your titles, have a go here.
8. Listing in Local Business Directories
Listing your business in a local directories could mean local customers can find your business easier.
Here’s a few directories you can list your business in:
- http://directory.mirror.co.uk/
- http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/business/
- http://findit.wigantoday.net/
9. Bing Places for Business
Bing Places for Business is Bing’s version on Google’s Business Pages. Bing has probably already listed your business so you can claim the listing and make it your own by uploading photos, listing services and products offered and your hours of operation. Bing is for all types of businesses such as local/small businesses, chain businesses with multiple locations and businesses who offer services at customer locations.
If you want to add your business to Bing Places go to the website here.
10. Yahoo! Local Listing
On Yahoo you can use ‘Yahoo Localworks’ which is $29.99 per month, which means you can be listed in 50+ local directories, track performance and change details across all your listings easily.
Or if you don’t fancy splashing the cash you can use Yahoo’s Local Basic Listing which is completely free, this allows you to get your business on Yahoo.
Click here to create your Yahoo! Local Listing.
11. MyBuilder.com
If you’re an electrician, window fitter or a trades person, MyBuilder is a matchmaking system for people looking for jobs to be done.
Customers post jobs that need to be done and tradesmen that are relevant are notified and can get in touch. The site does come with shortlist fees so it’s not exactly free but I thought this site could be good certain sectors. Register as a tradesman here.
