The internet presents a lot of opportunities for you to market your small business. There are plenty of low cost and no cost methods for finding new customers and clients online. And the good news is that these methods will work regardless of whether or not you have an internet business or a local business.
First, you absolute need a blog or a website to make this work. You can set up a blog for no money if you use a free hosting site such as blogger.com. However, getting your own domain is relatively inexpensive especially if you decide to use a blog platform like Wordpress. There are plenty of free Wordpress templates to be found.
Once you set up your website or blog, you will want to put your business information on it. When you use any of the methods below, you will include the link within the ad or in your signature. You can also put your URL on your business card s and other marketing materials
Online Classified Ads
There are plenty of sites online that let you post classified ads for free or for a small fee. Sites like Craigslist.com also have an option to post your ads in the appropriate city section.
If you decide to post your ad at the online classifieds you’ll need to keep track of the links so that you know when they expire. Some of them may not, but some sites either get so much traffic that your ad will be buried quickly or they will simply expire and get removed from the system.
If you have an onsite location or store and want to try to direct some business to it, make sure you post directions to your shop on the ad.
Utilize Forums
If you have an online business find a forum where your potential clients visit and position yourself as a helpful expert. You can put the URL to your website or blog in the signature.
The key is to be helpful. Ask questions, answer questions, and in general try not to promote your business within the posts you make. However, it is usually acceptable to place your URL in the signature line.
If the forum users know you to be a helpful resource that doesn’t SPAM the forum with ads, you will be more likely to get more business.
Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites like MySpace.com are also a good way to position yourself as an expert and develop a following. Take the time to create a great profile. Participate in discussions and add friends to your profile. Myspace.com doesn’t let you use Spam tactics to get business. But if you show that you are a valuable asset to the community you will get more potential customers that way.
Marketing your business online requires patience. You also need to show that you have something to offer the internet other than your advertisements. If you provide people with useful information, you will be more likely to get more business.
Katherine O. Huether - Katherine O. Huether has been running her own business for several years. She is a writer, copywriter, and editor and divides her time ...
