Local advertising could be a great untapped market for many small businesses. If you operate a freelance operation or an online enterprise, you can still advertise in your local area.
What makes a business grow? It’s clients and repeat business. Through repeat business, you can build a reputation that will carry your revenue up and up.
One way to get the word out is through advertising. We know that when you are starting out, money is really important. You want every cent you put into your business to make a difference to your bottom line.
Local Advertising Efforts
Give some thought to advertising in your local area. Even though the Web opens up your business to millions of people worldwide, it won’t make a difference if you can’t reach them.
Advertising locally can help you jump-start your online business and discover a new client base. Here are some ways to make it happen.
* Send out flyers – It seems a bit “old school�? but it works when done in the right way. Don’t just stuff them into mailboxes. Whenever you attend an event, let other attendees know that you have a business that they may be interested in. Chat them up as you hand over your business material.
* Advertise on your automobile – Do you have a logo and a tagline? Put them to good use in the community. Has your slogan printed on your back window or on the side door so that anyone can find out your business name and how to contact you? It works better than a billboard and it’s cheaper.
* Use Craigslist – This is an online advertising tool but it is also a local one. When you look on Craigslist under your home city (or the closest large city), you will find an area where you can place business ads. Millions of people use Craigslist. They can find out about the services you provide and get a bonus when they find out you are right around the corner.
* Create a listing for local guides – There are plenty of options here. Many churches now distribute congregational guides that list parishioner’s business enterprises. There are also city guides for newcomers to the area and free guides offered in grocery stores that advertise local businesses. People look for bargains in these guides.
* Sponsorships – Every city has a little league team…or two. Allow your business to sponsor them in exchange for your business name and information on their jerseys. Other local events may be looking for local business sponsors. It is good PR and can also help you identify your niche in the local area.
Are you looking for ways to help your business get to the next level? It doesn’t matter if you run an online enterprise. Consider advertising in your local area to build a new business base.