Whether you're just starting a new business or are branching out, advertising is key to attract new clients. But what happens when your marketing budget is small and you can't afford to run hefty ads in glossy magazines? It's still possible to get your business into the media… sometimes for free. All you need is a creative spark and the willingness to do the legwork necessary. You'd be surprised at the many opportunities available for those on a tight budget.

Network

Make word-of-mouth your primary source of advertisement. Tell everybody you know about your business. Attend related seminars and lectures and bring business cards to pass along. Don't launch into a monolog about the wonders of your business. The last thing you want is to send people running. Just make a comment, pass along a card or flyer, and answer a few questions (if they come). Even if the person you're talking to is not interested in your business, he or she may know somebody who is. 

Speak Up

Do you have the type of company where you can offer an educational but entertaining tour? Contact local schools and colleges to do just that. Can you organize a workshop or lecture around your product? Have a craft business? Teach people to make bead jewelry. Own a bookshop? Invite a local author for a signing.

You could also contact business organizations and offer yourself as a speaker. The local Rotary Club may be a good place to start, but don't stop there –Community colleges, non-profit organizations, local civic groups, libraries, the YMCA… The possibilities are truly endless.

Participate In Community Fund-Raisers and Charity Events

Do you have a product you can offer as prize in a local contest? Can you make your service available for free to the winner? Do you have a physical location for your business that can serve as the presentation site for an event? It's common practice for charities to promote sponsors in their brochures or banners, and you should be allowed to distribute promotional materials (brochures, business cards, etc.) on the day of the event. A variation of this may be to offer your product or service on a charity auction.