Whether your business is new or you just want to increase sales, there are many ways to advertise it for free. Many people use search engines instead of directories or printed newspapers to search for local services and products, so local businesses can also benefit from an Internet presence and social networks. Learning to advertise locally and for free on the internet takes time and effort, but it's an important part of your marketing. If you want to learn how to advertise locally for free on the Internet, see Step 1 to get started.
Steps
Step 1. Sign up for Google Places
It's fast, free, and ads almost always appear first in Google's search results. Go to places.google.com/business. If you don't already have a Google Account, create one by clicking the "Create Account" button. Follow the instructions to create an account. Then click "enter your business." Enter your business phone number and follow the instructions to create your profile. Make sure you use keywords in your description - the words people are looking for for your business must appear in the search engine. Check that the address on the map and the information are correct.
Step 2. Sign up on Yahoo
Local (local.yahoo.com.) Like Google, Yahoo! will appear first when users using Yahoo! as a search engine they do a search for local services.
Step 3. Create listings on local search sites
These include MerchantCircle.com, InsiderPages.com, UrbanSpoon.com, Mapquest.com, and Local.com. Like Google Places, enter your business phone number, and follow the prompts to set up your account. Search other local businesses to find more local directories and more opportunities to find out how to advertise locally for free on the Internet.
Step 4. Advertise for free on Paginegialle.it
Go to the site and click on "Publish your business".
Step 5. Create an account on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter
These should be used solely for your business, and not based on your personal account. Be sure to post your full address. Keep pages up-to-date by listing news, new products and services, sales and other events informally. Avoid forcing sales or spamming.
Step 6. Post an ad on Craigslist.com
It's completely free, and while it doesn't offer a ton of advanced graphics, Craigslist is increasingly becoming a useful source for people looking for services and products. If you offer a service, check Craigslist's "requests" section to find ads placed by people who are looking for services.
Step 7. Create a website and blog
Even a simple website is an excellent tool to publish your company name, location and services that will then be found by search engines. A blog can be updated regularly, giving you more chances to spread your name on the Internet.
Step 8. Check the websites of the local Chamber of Commerce and the municipality
These sites often have a list of local businesses. If there is no way to automatically publish your business, contact them by email or phone and ask how to be included.
Advice
- Most local directories offer advanced features that are available with paid subscriptions. Start with free advertising whenever possible, and then evaluate these advertising opportunities based on your budget and advertising goals.
- Be sure to check your accounts on all local directories and social networking sites. Most provide a form for leaving comments and ratings. Use this info to understand what people think about your company and what improvements need to be made, and be sure to respond to comments - positive and negative - in a polite and respectful way.
