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How to Advertise a New Small Business

by Patricia Williams

Overview

A new small business can often struggle if it doesn't get the attention it needs. By not getting the word out properly through advertising, small businesses can lose thousands of dollars in business. Although small businesses might feel they would rather pocket the money they would have spent on advertising, in the long run, they are compromising their overall marketing and bottom-line success. For new small businesses, especially, it's important to get the word out. In this article we'll consider how a new small business can best advertise its products and services to the world.

Step 1

Consider free methods of advertising. All new small businesses need to take into consideration the fact that there are free avenues by which to advertise their new business. These free methods include writing news and press releases on a consistent basis. Fax, e-mail or post your news and press releases to these free sources. You can find a list of free places to post press releases online in the links below. Besides news and press releases, consider using bumper stickers, posters and car advertising to publicize your new small business. Never underestimate the power of visual alerts to make an impact. Word of mouth advertising and referrals are another free way of gaining attention. Consider rewarding friends, family, associates and customers that spread the news about your business with discounts and coupons to your services or products. Other free ways to advertise include posting on blogs, forums and other web communities.
Step 2

Co-op Advertising. Try to partner with other businesses that are succeeding. These can be businesses that compliment yours or that provide a related service or product. Co-op advertising can save you big money and be a successful cooperative way to advertise and get the word out while forming important relationships with other businesses.
Step 3

Network with other businesses. Join the local chamber of commerce; attend community and neighborhood association meetings and be a part of civic organizations related to your business or that interest you. Network with other businesses and sponsor local events when possible. As a new small business, it's important to network and socialize with a variety of potential clientele and partners. Never underestimate the power of the social network, and this includes online social networks like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and others.
Step 4

Have an open house. Consider throwing an open house and inviting your potential target market and the community, if appropriate. At the event, have some members of your staff greet, speak and introduce your business. Provide refreshments, a video presentation about your company and handouts about your business. Offer special products and services at an introductory price and answer any questions.
Step 5

Get on the radio, television or cable station. You can do this through paid advertising or by creating free public service announcements. Also, consider your product and service and whether it might be possible for you to have a show on the air related to your business. Establishing yourself as a local expert is a great way to advertise your business to a wide audience.