Starting a business or having a small business gets tough at times. Trying to keep the company afloat is hard enough, then throw marketing and promotion in the mix and things get hectic. Here are a few things that has helped me promote my business on the cheap:

1) Volunteer your services or donate your products to a local non-profit. This doesnt just help spread the word about your company but also allows you to help a worthy cause. Many non-profits acivly promote their donors in their marketing materials, and this helps you reach your local community.

2) Educate friends, family, and associates about your business. Using relationships you already have open up many doors that many people overlook. Remember, personal referals have the best close ratio.

3) Become active in online forums, blogs, and any networks online. Many business owners and marketers turn to online discussion groups for advice or to vent frustration, and you will be suprised how these interactions many times turn into clients or referal sources.

4) Make youself available to the local media. This may sound like a wierd one, but is very effective. Media groups are often looking for experts in certain industries to give quotes, sit in on broadcasts, or even interview. By doing this, you get free exposure and your credibility as an expert in your field skyrockets.

5) Sponsor local events in your area. Consider hosting an after-hours event for a local business organization at your home or office. By using your home or office it wont cost you much. Doing this will keep your name in the spotlight as well as boost your companies reputation.

The above ideas arent the quick and easy ways to promote your business. Many of them take work HOWEVER the above ideas provide a huge bang for your buck in terms of your image and credibility.

Keep pushing forward.... the work pays off.

~Ryan Tremblay, RT Design Group LLC