Advertising hints and tips: (and they are all Free!)

Prizm Resources
PRIZM Cluster Data provides a snapshot look at the biggest demographic groups in each region. The data is divided by zip code. If you enter the zip code of the place where you will open your business, you'll get a picture of the five largest groups of residents in that zip code.

Make an inexpensive coupon that you can include with your invoices to your clients or customers. Offer 10 or 15 percent off their next order if they refer a new customer your way. If they like your services, you may find that you end up with a number of referrals to boost your business base.

Make a one-page flyer that you can copy onto colored paper. Include information about your business and services, a discount coupon and contact information. Pass that flyer out to people who might be interested in your services. For example, if you’re starting a pet-sitting or dog-walking business, pass out the flyer to people in the parking lot of your local pet superstore. Or if you plan to go into the computer training business, pass out your flyer outside a computer or business store. Be careful, though—you want to make sure you are not breaking any laws by doing this. Check with your local police department, the shopping center management company (Often they own the parking lot and sidewalks outside the stores), and code enforcement agency to make sure you’re not doing something illegal.

If you have a business web site, you can have an inexpensive magnetized sign made for the side of your car that displays your logo and web site address. Even if your business is on the web, most of your customers will probably be local. You can get your name out this way while driving around and doing your errands, and by using a magnetized sign, you’ll do no permanent damage to your car.

Trade services with your dentist or doctor. Offer to design a brochure or flyer for them, or offer to perform some other service in exchange for them to keep your cards or brochures displayed at their offices. Check with your tax advisor or on the IRS web site (http://www.irs.gov) to make sure you understand the tax ramifications of such barter deals. They won’t cost you any money, but you might have to report them.

If your local school or other charitable organization offers a silent auction, donate a gift certificate for your business or a certain amount of service. You will receive free publicity in the program and possibly a free mention from the microphone at the auction itself. Even those who don’t bid on your services might be interested in becoming a client or customer of your business down the road. Be sure to provide plenty of business cards that organizers can spread out on the table next to the bidding sheet.

Ask your vendors to recommend you. If you usually work with a particular copy shop, office supply salesperson or computer supplier, ask them to recommend you to other businesses with which they work. It won’t cost them anything, and if you’re giving them business, they will be more willing to send business back your way.

Make sure your web site address is in the signature of every e-mail you send, whether that e-mail goes to your friends, family or business associates. You never know where that e-mail will end up and who will click through that link to your web site. You could be one click away from a new customer!