The Best, Free Local Advertising Tips

“The best things in life are free.”  This quote is true for many things in life, including advertising.  More money is spent on advertising in America than the war in Iraq.  Advertisement expenses for 2010 were estimated at $412 billion.  Fighting the Iraqis has cost less than $400 billion.  With so much money spent on advertising, the best free local advertising is overlooked.

• Advertise your company, product or service at various online business listing sites.  These help develop contacts within the community.  The best site for free local advertising is MerchantCircle.  This website is actually set up to resemble a community.


• Put your business card on local community bulletin boards.  These can be found at local shopping malls, grocery stores and gas stations.  If you don’t have a business card, consider creating a flier.


• Provide your services for free to a community project.  This is a great way to show people you care.  Many customers prefer working with reputable businesses that support the community.


• List your business, product or service on Craigslist.  This is a free listing site and anyone can advertise.  Ads on this site need to be updated every 30 days.


• Find businesses that are willing to advertise for you.  You may refer your customers to their business, just as they will do for you.  This type of advertisement is free and can benefit businesses as well as customers.


• Place an ad on the local public television station,  Many communities have a station that runs ads for various businesses and events in the area.  If your town offers this, use it.


• Send thank-you notes or letters of appreciation to your current customers.  Include a business card or flier and ask customers to refer you.


• Create a blog for customers and businesses to follow.  You can post information about your business and update followers online.


• Sign up for a Twitter account.  Twitter is free and sending tweets to potential and current customers can develop new business.


• Post an advertisement on your Facebook wall.  This site is free and you can post anything you want.  


• Film a short clip of your product or service and upload the video to YouTube.  This video site is free and accessible by the entire world.  People can see your product in action or the benefits of your services.