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Finding Free (and Almost Free) Advertising for Entrepreneurs

Small Business Advertising

Finding Free (and Almost Free) Advertising for Entrepreneurs

Written by Kathryn Lang for Gaebler Ventures

Advertising can be one of the most expensive items for many entrepreneurs. Word of mouth is only one of the free and almost free opportunities for advertising that the creative entrepreneur can use to cut back on advertising expenses.

Word of mouth provides entrepreneurs with the ultimate in free advertising.

The additional opportunities for getting free advertising expand as far as the imagination. Finding creative methods of promoting a business or service starts with some of the following ideas. These ideas can then be used to expand on new ideas that will meet each entrepreneur's needs, location and specialty.

Newspapers offer a wide range of potential customers for entrepreneurial businesses. Most businesses utilize the advertisements or classified sections of local newspapers. Getting featured in a story can be a stronger way of advertising in a newspaper and the stories are free. Contact a local reporter when there are any rewards or accomplishments. Newspapers may also run articles on new businesses or entrepreneurs with unique stories to tell.

The internet has become an increasingly important area for businesses of all sizes. More people are using computers, smart phones and other connections to research companies, find the service that they need or even read what others have experienced with a particular product. Setting up a basic website can be completely free through an internet provider or other service. A minimal investment can have a company set up with a domain that reflects the entrepreneur, the business or a specific name.

Trading out articles for advertising space can help an entrepreneur make the most of advertising dollars. Writing offers entrepreneurs another way to utilize print publications. Entrepreneurs can ask for ad space en lieu of payment for articles that are written for the publication. Not only does the entrepreneur get free advertisement, but there will be an increase in the entrepreneur's expertise from writing for the publication.

Volunteering provides advertisement for entrepreneurs and also increases the level of expertise at which that entrepreneur will be viewed. Holding classes and seminars at the location of business or speaking at events will put the entrepreneur's name in front of the public and potential customers.

Holding a giveaway can be another inexpensive avenue of advertisements. Letting existing customers register for giveaways and also offering additional entries for anyone they get to register for the drawings will provide you with a larger customer base and an interactive relationship with existing customers.

Sponsoring charitable events may not be free, but with the potential write-off on taxes this path of advertising for entrepreneurs can come close to being free. Events do not have to be associated with the industry or niche of the entrepreneur, but a passion for the cause may be helpful.

Finding creative ways to advertise for free can be an interesting experience for the entrepreneur. This path of business planning may even turn out to be a creative release for the adventurous entrepreneur. The key to getting the most out of advertising dollars is to balance spending with free advertising through trades, giveaways and the other limitless opportunities that can be created.

Kathryn Lang is a professionial writer and motivational speaker. She enjoys writing about a wide variety of business topics including youth businesses and finance.