Author: Jeremy P Stanfords

Starting a new business is a tough task that thousands attempt to do each year. Marketing and gaining new customers is even tougher. However, in the digital age, one can keep up with fans, get new ones, and spend very little money in the process. Below are a few effective methods that do not require one to go broke, or even spend any money at all.

Odds and Ends
Many local spots allow budding entrepreneurs to advertise on the bulletin board, by posting business cards or flyers. A few hundred company cards usually sell for a low price, and allow the owner to distribute the cards freely. One never knows when a customer may need a service, and find the ad at the neighborhood laundromat or restaurant.

Many people like free stuff, so giveaways are another option. Items like ink pens or custom T-shirts often feature a company's logo, website, and contact information. Imagine someone invites you to a birthday party or baby shower, and you want to spread word of mouth. Talk to the host about playing a party game, and offer the customized pens or shirts as prizes. By handing those out, the other guests not only get a freebie, but you get the name out. Whenever someone takes that ink pen or T-shirt out, they see your name as a reminder of who to go to or recommend to others.

Online and Social Networking
If money is an issue, the internet has allowed many aspiring business owners to advertise for free. Social media fan pages have become more effective methods in recent years. By conversing with fans - everyday people - one immediately builds a casual rapport with friends, followers, and the community. In addition, it makes the company sound human and less robotic. Most importantly, it provides free advertising and eventual word-of-mouth.

Online bulletin boards and blogs are another effective resource. A business owner can easily post an ad on the site, again for free, and work towards drumming up business. Of course, the traditional website also exists as an option, and helps make the company look established, even if it is a work in progress.

Viral video
Viral video sites and the availability of inexpensive camcorders make it possible for literally anyone to make a video and upload it to the site. With a low-cost camera, one can shoot and edit a quick promo from the comfort of his or her own home. With a few clever keywords, this video can reach thousands or even millions instantly, and without having to buy airtime.

About the Author

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about engraved pens, please visit http://www.penfactory.com/.

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