These tips were passed on to me and I thought there were some really good ideas that we all can be reminded to do, so thought I'd pass them along to you as well - do you have any tips to share for free or low cost advertising?
1) If you have a business that is not "clear cut" (maybe you sell many different types of items, or pieces that cannot simply be shown off by a small sample) how about a pocket calendar? If you have a color printer, you can make them yourself, with pictures of your different crafts. All of your business information can be included, so every time the person opens their calendar, they are reminded of you and your store.
2) Put your business card on magnetic sheeting. Remember, business cards with a magnetic back really stick in people's minds as well as on their refrigerator.
3) Have your business information printed on bookmarks and drop a hundred or more off at the local library.
4) Make a YouTube commercial.
5) Post ads on Craigslist.
6) Put magnetic signs, vinyl lettering or license plate frames on your car.
7) Set up a "home party" with several of your friends to showcase your work.
8) Jewelry designers: What about cell phone charms? Package them up with a business card and you're set.
9) Look for websites where you can advertise for free. Find free on-line classified websites for your community.
10) Write an e-Book on something that is relevant to your business and distribute it for free. By distributing a free product with your brand in it you will garner the trust of those interested in your product thus bringing you free targeted traffic to your business.
11) Offer to teach a class about your craft through the local recreation & park district.
12) Always include a business card in the envelope when you pay your bills. :)
13) Join your local area Chamber of Commerce. They are always holding business events and "get acquainted" nights.
14) Donate a piece to your local radio station. They have numerous contests and are always looking for sponsors. Your donation can be written off as a tax deduction and you will get free advertising and exposure.
15) Have cardboard beverage coasters printed and distribute them to your local bars or saloons.
16) Contact local area hotels, motels and bed & breakfast inns and ask them if you can do up a Lobby Basket and leave it in their Lobby. What is a Lobby Basket? You make up little packs of info about your business & products and put them into the Lobby Basket for their patrons to take. They usually have a pamphlet wall or area too with pamphlets from local area attractions etc. If they don't have a lobby basket area, inquire about leaving your business info in their pamphlet area.
17) Make a business name tag and wear it every time you are in public. Make sure it has a catchy phrase like "Ask Me About (your company name)" or "Earn some FREE when you party with me!"
18) Have computer mouse pads printed with your company logo, business information, picture, etc. and distribute them to local large businesses. This will keep your website and business in front of them every time they're on their computer!
19) Contact a local Assisted Living Center for Senior Citizens (different than a nursing home!) and see if you can come in & offer a shopping opportunity to their Senior Residents! Seniors can't get out like they used too so they appreciate being able to shop from home. The majority of them don't own computers and if they do, they may not be extremely computer savvy. So offer a one-on-one shopping experience with them. They also appreciate the adult company!
20) Contact Realtors and apartment buildings in your area. They usually give out new business packet info to their customers/clients to welcome them to their new home. See about adding your business information to their "Welcome Home" Packs!
21) Establish a Referral program for your business and print out referral coupons. Offer established customers a free little gift or personal discount if they refer a new customer to you. I like to give out 3 Referral Coupons to every new customer I get so that they know they will be rewarded for referring new customers to me.
22) Remember going to get your hair cut, and you get a "punch" in your card each time? By the time you had 10 (or more) haircuts (and punches) you'd get a free or a discounted haircut. Try it with your business. Print up your own punch cards and pass one out to each customer. Chances are they'll never use it -- or they lose it -- anyway.
23) Make T-Shirts or blouses for yourself, your family members and your friends to wear in public which has your business advertisement on them.
24) Set-up a "Free Giveaway" box at any store or restaurant that will give you permission. Print up registration forms to drop into the box.
25) We all get junk mail with the postage paid envelopes. Just send a flyer or your business card back to the company and use their return envelope. ;)
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