There are millions of businesses around the world, each one trying to become as successful as they possibly can. There are thousands of marketing strategies that “guarantee” success, both for online and bricks and mortar businesses. It can be difficult to know how to be a successful business, especially with so many ways to achieve success. However, a drawback to many of these “guaranteed” methods for success is the fact that they cost money; a great deal of money in some cases.

There are many things that you can do to promote your business for free, and these things will help you to market your small business without incurring the multitude of expenses that raise overhead and cut profit margins. Here is a list of some of the best things that you can do to promote your business, at no cost to you:

Website:
It is very important for your small business that you set up a website. You can easily obtain a domain name and find a site that will host your business’ web page for free. It will not be as good and as fast as purchasing your own domain name and paying for hosting, but it is an excellent start. In order to spread your range of influence, you need to transition into the online world. If you are going to start an online business, then you need a website on which to post the information about your products and services. Make sure to create links to your website every opportunity you get.

Blog:
You can also start a blog that offers advice and solutions to problems. Once people know that your blog is a source of valid information on a topic, they will come there for advice and solutions, and they will recommend your blog to their friends. By creating links to your products and services on your blog, people will be able to see what you are offering and will be interested.

Facebook:
Facebook is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal, and the marketing opportunities are limitless on Facebook. Facebook currently has more than 600 million registered users around the world, and using Facebook to promote small business can expand it significantly. Simply create a Facebook account for your small business, and start making friends, joining communities, and expanding your network. Place subtle ads and other forms on publicity on your Facebook page, and your business will start to receive more traffic.

Craigslist:
Classifieds ads are a great way to promote your services, and Craigslist is the largest classified ads network on the internet. Millions of people around the world log onto Craigslist every day looking for something to buy or selling something, and Craigslist is one of the best tools that you can use to promote your small business. Post an advertisement for your business, and watch the customers flock to your website.

Community service:
Many small businesses are very involved in the community, and that is something that you can use to your advantage. You can sign up for charity drives, blood donations, and any other kind of community service projects. Take advantage of your presence to get to know people, expand your network, and subtly promote yourself and your small business.

Workforfavor:
Workforfavor is a great website that you can use to promote your business. On the website you provide services for other people in exchange for favor points, which you can cash in for services from others on the website. This is a great way to promote yourself, as you will become known to millions of other professionals around the world as you exchange favors.

Forums:
Forums are a great place to meet people from around the world, and you can use forums as a method of promoting your small business. Simply join a forum that talks about problems and issues related to your products or services, and be sure to provide information to people that will help them solve their problems. Post a link to your site in your signature, and let the traffic come to you.

Viral marketing:
Post videos advertising yourself and your website on YouTube and other video websites. Viral marketing has grown significantly, and YouTube is the second most used search engine after Google. Anyone who wants to know how to do something can search YouTube for the information, and can find the link to your website at the end of your videos.

Andy Keeper, is an Internet Marketing Major and entrepreneur with 7+ years of successful marketing, sales and business development.