Do you know enough about your business to write an article? There's bound to be a free e-zine or website related to it. Find them and see if they accept articles from freelancers. Do you have a flower business? Write an article about creating the perfect centerpiece. Are you in real estate? Write an insider article about finding the best deals. You're not expecting pay from these websites, but most would let you include a link to your website as part of your byline. Find a fresh angle and make your article interesting and useful, and people are likely to follow you to learn more. If you're a good writer, you can try trade magazines.
Take Advantage of Bulletin Boards
They are everywhere: Supermarkets, Laundromats, colleges, even grocery stores. Post a flyer in every one you see, or target specialized ones in areas where you think you may attract the type of client you're looking for. Take into consideration your costs: If you have one-color fliers that cost you cents, be generous with postings. If you have more expensive fliers or if your business could only be afforded by affluent people, post in relevant areas and businesses.
Advertise For Free On The Internet
A quick Google search will bring up dozens of websites that let you advertise your business for free in exchange for a link on your own website. Yes, it's a closed circle, but remember, you want your name out there. The more places you can get it into, the more chances you have to land a new client. Ecki, self-dubbed "The Grandfather of All Links" offers a database of over 10,000 websites where you can advertise for free. Free Advertising Forum lets you post your ad (visible to all visitors to the website) and gives you a free basic webpage of your own.