No matter if the business is three decades old or three days old, every entrepreneur needs some free publicity from time to time. Not only can it jump start otherwise sagging sales, it can force a business owner to get really creative with their marketing budget and target market, thus reaching an audience previously ignored, forgotten or overlooked. So why not try one or a few of these free promotion ideas to vamp up sales and attract more customers?
Free Promotion Idea #1: Write a Press Release
Probably one of the most well-know publicity techniques, but its for good reason. A good PR piece in the right hands can propel any business into stardom, it just has to be truly newsworthy and interesting. Think of what the business can offer outsiders that they may not know about, and then get to writing a short press release to inform them.
Free Publicity Technique #2: Provide Media Interviews
In direct contrast to the often-used publicity tip above, media interviews aren't used often enough as a tactic to get a businesses' name in front of the paying public's minds. It's surprisingly easy to do as well; just get in touch with local news or media outlets and let them know of the businesses' expertise, should something in the area come up where a quote or sound bite is needed. Alternatively, use a service like HelpAReporter to get a few clips under the businesses' belt.
Promotional Idea #3: Start a Free Contest
There are few things that customers like more than a freebie. Tap into this aspect of most people's personalities by offering up something that the general public can play, while still keeping in mind that the contest is supposed to drum up publicity, and thus, sales.
Promotional Idea #4: Article Writing
Whether its online for the company website, in a local hobbyist newsletter, for the daily paper or as a guest blogger, writing articles can create big business opportunities. The easiest way to use this PR technique is to create a list of the questions customers ask the most, and then write an article giving a quick review of how to solve the problem, ending with the suggestion to come into the store or call for more detailed or specific troubleshooting.
Free Publicity Idea #5: Barter
Although not technically a free publicity technique, bartering will put a business at the forefront of other business owners minds. There's an exchange of services or products with bartering, and some barter organizations require a monthly or yearly fee to join. But if the business can find a free bartering organization - or better yet, organize a barter on their own - it may lead to related sales from word of mouth and goodwill.
Free Promotion Tactic #6: Post Free Classified Ads
There are a couple of places that still accept free classified ads, so why not use them to promote a business? Local publications are the first place to start, and then take a peek at online ventures such as Kijii or Craigslist next. Then, take a walk around the neighborhood to see where else posters, flyers or brochures could be housed to earn even more free publicity.
Free Publicity Idea #7: Try Business Card Marketing
Business card marketing is a pretty simple idea: take business cards of the company that needs promotion, and put them in the hands of the right people. How? By giving one out or posting one wherever they are requested, such as in business card draws, on the bulletin board at the mall, or as a networking tool when meeting other people.
Bonny Albo - Bonny offers 20 years of writing experience to her readers. CNN, MSNBC, The LA Times and Macleans all reference her for expert advice.
