How much are you paying to get traffic to your website?
Is buying an advertising list for your website still in style?
What free (or really cheap) advertising techniques have you tried in the last few weeks to make more money online?
In the world of online marketing, I feel “marketing” is the most important part of an online business. If you’re not asking yourself the golden sales question of “What have I done today to make a sale?” you probably won’t be in business very long online.
Unlike a brick-and-mortar company where you get customers walking in off the street, nearly everyone who finds your website has to be directed there in some way, whether from your search engine ranking, pay-per-click advertising, a banner ad, or word of mouth marketing.
Here’s a list of a few oft-neglected ways to promote your online business in a Free Sort of Way!
1. Free Online Classifieds
There are a ton of online classified ads where you can advertise your business, products and services for free.
Craigslist is one of the biggest and most widespread.
2. Newspapers Need News!
Have you ever even considered this option?
Moller Marketing Challenge: Call your local newspaper and ask if they would like to do a business or human interest piece on your online business.
If you are running some kind of charitable event or interesting promotion, they will be more likely to find you newsworthy.
3. Got Swag?
Your business may operate online, but you can advertise in the real world.
Consider putting a sign in your car window or handing out t-shirts advertising your website address. Granted, this may not be completely FREE, but I use strategy like this quite a bit when dance directors buy lots of shoes for clogging from me 
A free t-shirt to thank them for their business can go a LONG way in building a business relationship.
4. Business Cross Promotions
Find a non-competing complimentary business and ask if they would like to trade links or create a joint venture.
For instance, if you are running an online dropshipper website, exchange links with manufactures who are looking to grow their sales force via dropshipping. If you are operating a kitchenware business, find someone who sells home decor or wall murals.
5.The Power of Word of Mouth Coupons
Starbucks once ran a campaign where they offered a free iced cappuccino to employees and their family members.
They had to shut the offer down when the emailed coupons spread like wildfire all over the country.
Try sending a coupon or special offer to friends and family, use your Facebook group or Fan page to do a special promotion; and ask these contacts to pass the word along to everyone they know. You’ll be amazed how wide your network can spread, and how much traffic this could bring to your business if the offer is desirable or interesting enough.
How do you plan to use these Free & Easy marketing techniques to grow your online business in 2010?
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About Nate
Thanks for reminding me, Nate, completely forgot about the coupons, but what a great way to start the New Year! Happy Holidays to you and yours
Great to hear from you Lorna! Thanks for the comment. Let me know how these tips help you sell more and more in 2010!
I’m loving the Cross Promotional idea. Who would want to cross promote with a greeting card publisher?
Hey Tanya,
Thanks for the comment. Let me know how you implement the Cross Promotional idea or if you need any help mapping out a plan of attack.
Talk soon!
Nate Moller
MollerMarketing.com
Reading this article makes me feel ignorant. I realize that I need to learn a lot. Thank you for sharing this important tips.
Thanks for the comment. Look forward to hearing how these tips (and others you read here) help you see more results with your online business.