Small businesses do not have a large budget to spend on advertising and promoting themselves; many small businesses are often operated from home. Today, the internet can provide small business owners with cheap marketing opportunities which may take time to build but can be just as effective as expensive marketing tools, if used correctly. Social networking, blogging, writing and forums often provide a cheap alternative answer for small businesses with a limited marketing budget.
Web Sites for Small Businesses
Today, every small business should have web presence in the form of a web site. Web sites do not have to be expensive; a simple web site can consist of a few pages about the business and what it does. More sophisticated web sites may include a web store, allowing clients to purchase products directly from the small business owner, wherever they are in the world.
Social Networking for Small Businesses
Social networking has exploded in the past couple of years with the emergence of Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Facebook and MySpace allow a user to create a free business page on their Facebook or MySpace account and attract 'fans.' The page can be used to post links, articles or notes about business products and activities and is visible to people who opt to become 'fans' of the business. In addition, advertising space, at a cost, is available, which appears on the pages of all users.
Twitter is a recent phenomenon which is a free micro-blogging service, basically an 'abbreviated' version of Facebook and MySpace. Twitter users post short sentences (with or without links) of up to 140 characters, known as tweets; businesses can use Twitter to promote business products and services and attract 'followers' who may be interested in their services.
Blogging for Small Businesses
Small business owners can set up a free blog using WordPress or Blogger to promote their business too; some blogs can actually be incorporated into the business web site. A blog is an informal way of informing clients of what is happening with the business and establishing 'expertise' in the business area. People usually have the option to 'follow' blogs so that they are automatically notified of any blog updates.
Forums and Chat Rooms for Small Businesses
Depending on the service or product of the small business, it is possible to promote a small business through relevant forums and chat rooms; however, it is important to abide by the rules of the forum or chat room and to not 'spam' users. Making a useful contribution to chats or forum posts, however, will establish credibility and generate interest in the small business owner.
Writing as a Small Business Owner
Many small business owners are multi-talented; writing a free newsletter is one way of gaining a client base. In addition, there are many opportunities on the internet for the small business owner to establish themselves as an 'expert' in their field. Some writing web sites pay writers for article contribution. Although this is not a direct advertisement for the small business, it helps to establish credibility within the small business area.
Small Business Free Web Marketing Tools
It will take time for a small business owner to build credibility and attract clients through free or cheap web marketing tools such as a web site, social networking, blogging, writing or using forums and chat rooms; however, free or cheap internet marketing tools such as these are relatively easy to use and operate and are a smart alternative to expensive marketing tools which may bankrupt a small business before it is established.
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
