Three Free Ways to Market

Mar 29th, 2008
by Bryan Kress

When it comes to marketing a lot of business owners don't know where to start. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get free marketing opportunities as long as your not scared to ask. Look at the multiple media mediums all around you: Newspapers, Penny Saver Mailers, Blogs, Forums, Local TV Stations, and Local Radio Shows. Most of these mediums allow new businesses free publicity to let their viewers know what is going on in the area. Here are three different tips for three different media markets to help you get your business recognized.

First Tip: Paper Publicity - If you're a new business you need to check out the local columns in your newspaper. More than likely the paper has a section for businesses that are "new to the pavement." This section generally describes the business and where you are located. To get your business in a section similar to this you need figure out who the editor is for this section. Once you learn who the editor is try to get to know them on a more personal basis. This means take them out for coffee or lunch. Get to know them on a more personal basis and see what he or she looks for in a press release. Tell them about your business and see if they wouldn't mind reading a press release about your business. Most likely they will be happy to help you and event write a little bio about you. So, you not only get free press for this paper, but now you know how to prepare the press release for the future. I learned this rather quickly there is an example at "Business on the Mound."

Second Tip: Blogging For Business - Your already busy surfing the web for business tips, so why aren't you leaving comments on other sites? Take a little more time on the site and leave a simple comment or questions for the web-master. This not only gets people to traffic back to your business website, but it also allows you to get some answers you've been looking for. It never hurts to ask. Also, make sure you have a blog on your site for customers or web-surfers to leave useful comments about your business.

Third Tip: Broadcasting Your Business - Similar to the tip about getting a newspaper article, you need to get to know the producer or the host of the radio station or TV station. You will also want to send a press release to both of these media mediums. Getting on TV is usually a little more difficult to get on compared to a radio show. Radio stations are playing 24/7, while the daily news on TV is only on maybe 6 hours throughout the whole day. This means start with the radio stations and work up to the TV news. If you get on a lot of radio stations you are building up your reputation and news channels will be looking to learn more about your story. The key is to meet the producers personally, because you they will be more likely to air your show and you have a better chance for getting air time in the future for your business. This isn't as easy as it sounds by any means, but the potential that is at stake is well worth the time and effort.

Utilizing the free press is a great opportunity that every business needs to address. Not only will you obtain a great experience, but the possibility of gaining valuable customers is immeasurable. Don't just consider these tips a one time event, but make sure you utilize these tips for any big event that your business maybe hosting or sponsoring. The more time you spend on free media mediums the more attention you will gain. "The best press is free press!"

If you have any questions or need advice on getting a consultant please email us at questions@businessonthemound.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am in my last year of Accounting and Economics & Finance. I have worked for any industry out there from farming, fast food, retail, cold calling, personal lending, and consulting. I am young in age, but experienced well beyond my years. I now own three companies and I host my own radio show while wearing many other hats throughout the community. If you have any questions or would like help with your small business please check out my site at http://businessonthemound.com