1. Join Free Online Directories Directories like Yahoo! Local and Google offer free business directories with many options to display your company info. Photo Slide shows, introductions, hours of operation, and web links are just a few of the features offered. (Directory Web Sites - Yahoo! Local, Google, Just Click Local, BizHwy, Bateekh) 2. Community Boards Get creative with a flyer or use left over marketing materials to hang on local community boards. It may seem time consuming but it may pay off if you get just one customer. Make it a habit to at least stick up your business card at every community board you see. 3. Join Online Networking Groups Online Networking is exploding all over the country. Sites like Biznik give local companies the chance to network for free. This is a great way to meet important contacts, build your customer base, and attend free seminars. I highly reccomend Biznik. (Networking Web Sites - Biznik, Seattle Networking Group, Meetup) 4. Free Classified Sites We have all heard of Craigs List- now it’s time to use it. Create an ad for your goods or services and post it on multiple free classified sites. This might seem tedious, but it may snag you an extra customer for life. (Classified Web Sites - Craig's List, Seattle Classifieds, Tacoma News Tribune, Ziply, City Paper) 5. Newspaper Article Inform your local paper the next time you host an important event, begin work on a special project, or anything else that might be newsworthy. They may write a story about your company. 6. Sponsor/Trade Services Find a company/Organization who may be willing to trade services in exchange for ad placement or sponsorship. 7. Newsletter/Blog Create a newsletter or blog to keep current customers up to date with your promotions. 8. Offer Free Classes Come up with an exciting way to teach hopeful clients something worthwhile. ex - A Landscaper could invite prospects to a demonstration on how to properly fertilize a yard. 9. Instructional Videos Create tutorials or how to videos that showcase a sample of what you offer and post them on sites like youtube. (Directory Web Sites - You Tube, Wonder How To You, E How, How Cast) 10. Friends, Family & Word of Mouth Often overlooked, your friends and family are a great source of advertising and are usually happy to refer your company. Being that word of mouth is the best form of free advertising out there, you should keep them in mind. Remember to ask friends and family members if they need a few more business cards next time you see them.