How to Market a Small Business Online for Free

• Step 1

  Consider having a website or blog. While it's not a requirement to get started, you will best leverage your offline and online marketing efforts with a website. If you have a small or nonexistent budget, you can easily setup a free site quickly without technical knowledge at many sites such as Wordpress.com. With a website, you can also get free marketing from appearing in search engine results.

• Step 2

  Find your target audience online. Research your target market online to find their favorite communities and websites. For example, if you sell home décor items from your website, search on Google for related websites, blogs and discussion boards.

• Step 3

  Read the blog posts and content on related websites to get a sense of the community. If these are potential customers and industry peers, you should take time to read through the website and postings before introducing yourself.

• Step 4

  If someone asks a question on a community discussion board or blog, and you can help them, you may respond on the website. Always respond politely and do not push for a hard sell. Simply aim to be helpful. On most sites, you can place your signature at the end of the response, which can link to your website. Popular websites and blogs can build your credibility and traffic to your website if you are likeable and post helpful information.

• Step 5

  Use article marketing. Write short, informative articles about your business topics and submit them to popular article directories online such as Ezinearticles.com and Goarticles.com. Carefully pick compelling titles with keywords to attract more interest in your articles. You can build credibility for you and your business, while linking to your website or adding your contact information at the end of each article.

• Step 6

  Use free, popular websites to list an ad for your business where appropriate. For example, you can post a free ad on Craigslist.org and press releases on PR.com to promote your services and products. Some popular and related websites offer free online ads or allow you to post a comment on their blogs.

• 3
• Test several free marketing tactics and stick with the most effective ones.
• Test several free marketing tactics and stick with the most effective ones.
• Connect with relevant websites and do not bother to advertise on unrelated websites, which will dilute your company image and search engine rankings.
• Connect with relevant websites and do not bother to advertise on unrelated websites, which will dilute your company image and search engine rankings.

References & Resources

• Low-cost online marketing tools for small businesses
• Get a free Wordpress blog