Free Local Advertising
 While living in the technological age with online communications, many businesses forget the benefits of free local advertising. While many businesses ‘think big', many businesses realize that free local advertising is most often the core of their sales.
Why is this? The number one reason why businesses rely on local advertising and sales as a staple of income is because local consumers spend more money on products and services locally for peace of mind. It is psychological; today consumers want reassurance that they will have local service and support if problems arise.
Knowing that there is a demand for local business products and services, there are ways to tap into the local market using free local advertising methods.
No matter the methods used to obtain free local advertising, it is wise to include:
1. A sense of urgency (deadline) with an offer.
2. Coupons attached to flyers.
3. An incentive (discounts) to create new and returning customers.
Free Local Advertising through Sweepstakes and Contests
In 2008, a young wife, asked her mother to help to write a short essay about why her daughter deserved new bedroom furniture. The young woman's request was to help increase her chances of winning the bedroom set through a local business.
The mother complied. The daughter had also submitted her article about how well her husband provided for the family but they just didn't have enough money to save for a bedroom set.Only five winners were to be chosen. Both the mother and daughter won.
 The business received an added bonus: free local newspaper and television coverage because out of the hundreds of submissions, a mother and a daughter ‘team' won among the few five chosen.
The business' subsequent sales went through the roof due to the local free advertising of the event. The business also received more free newspaper advertising by being the recipient of several humanitarian awards that were also advertised.
Contests and sweepstakes are often overlooked as a channel for free local advertising, yet they bring in the most business exposure in a short amount of time. People love to win things ‘for free' and this form of free local advertising is easily created and publicized through Craigslist, flyers, and free newspaper articles that appeal to a humanitarian stories on a local level.
Advertising for Free through Flyer Distribution
Another method to get free local advertising is through flyer distribution. Start by creating an offer to a local printer to exchange (barter) services and/or products for printing your flyers. After the flyers are printed, there are two main ways to distribute your flyers for free:
Consign a group of young people (such as a church youth group) to distribute the flyers door-to-door while distributing news about their church or distribute the flyers yourself.
Make a deal with the local newspaper delivery person to distribute your flyers while distributing the paper to local subscribers. Many people don't know that newspaper delivery people have had to purchase their own delivery bags. Make a deal to include your flyer in their bags for a product or service your business offers.
Check your local ordinances with either method of distribution and NEVER put advertising in mail/postal boxes!
Free Local Advertising through Business-to-Business (B2B)
Business-to-business or “B2B” is on the rise with the state of the economy.Ask local businesses if they would display your flyers and/or business cards on their counters in exchange for a free or discounted product or service your business provides.
This method of obtaining free local advertising often works in reverse: if your business already has a deal with the local newspaper delivery person, the business you are requesting to carry your flyers and business cards could have their flyer included in the newspaper distribution ‘deal'.
Free Local Advertising through Craigslist, Newspapers and Television
While Craigslist no longer allows free business advertising, a business can offer a free contest, sweepstakes, or lead to an online article that is relevant to consumers.
For example, a pet store could do a free posting of missing animals or local animal shelters in their stores. While this method is offering a community service and just a phone number (no logos), free local advertising is available through Craigslist.
 In addition to posting a free service on Craigslist, you (or someone you know) can write a human interest story based on community events and concerns. Local newspapers often look for “filler” (small pieces to fill in space) for their publications.
Television stations also often look for community interest stories. Write or do an online submission for a story idea that would be of interest in your local community. The trick here is to try to find a “hook” that ties your business into a current event taking place in your community.
As a general rule: newspaper articles and Letters to the Editor need have approximately 1 month's lead time. Television requires approximately 3 months' lead time unless the business is especially timely.
Free Local Advertising Using Vehicles: Decals, Bumper Stickers, and Advertising Distribution
Check with your local ordinances regarding the distribution of flyers and/or coupons on vehicles. Remember that some people just throw them off their windshields as well and are irritated. Therefore, distributing flyers on vehicles could be a waste of time and money.
However, advertising on vehicles (again, check with local ordinances) is still an effective free method to advertise your business or company. Local sign makers often barter their services to create custom banners, bumper stickers, and vehicle decals.
Local sign makers can be found through Dex Online Yellow Pages and through various local networking groups.
Free Local Advertising through Local Network Groups
Check to see if there are local network groups in your area. While some, such as local Chambers of Commerce, do charge a membership fee, it is often well-worth becoming part of a networking group to obtain free local advertising.
Network groups in your community also allow free local advertising for their members during local home shows, fairs, and in online and offline directories. Some groups also give their members free web pages that are listed in the group's online and print directories.
Before paying a membership fee when joining a group, ask about what free local advertising is available that they offer to members.
Free Local Advertising through Bulletin Boards
Grocery stores, Laundromats, and community centers often have bulletin boards the community can use to post free local advertising.
The best method to use when posting your business advertisement to a bulletin board is to use index cards or print sheets of paper with tear-off phone numbers.
Because you are limited by space, you will want to use words in your ad that entices consumers to act on your offer. Today, still, hand-written ads posted to bulletin boards are read most frequently.
This is probably psychological: sometimes consumers are more apt to respond to a hand-written posting versus a slick, full-color ad because they believe the business with a more “down-home” look will offer products and services at a lower cost.
Tips to get Free Local Advertising:
Create a sweepstakes or contest
Distribute flyers: home-to-home, in newspapers, on vehicles, in businesses, and on vehicles
Use bartering with other businesses to display your advertising at their place of business
Submit community interest articles and ads in Craigslist.com and local newspapers
Barter with a sign company for vehicle decals, bumper stickers and signs.
Post ads on local bulletin boards
Join a networking group
Helpful Websites for Finding Ways to Advertise Free on a Local Level:
To find Local Signage:
Chambers of Commerce:
Craigslist:
Sweepstakes and Contest Ideas:
Discover the Rewards of Small Business Bartering:
 |
free local advertising: Here are some popular terms people are looking for online, that may assist you in your research |
free local advertising sites
free local advertising
free local business advertising
free local classified advertising
local advertising
free internet advertising
free web advertising
free online advertising
|
More Small Business Articles:
Accounting Tips
Advertising Tips
Business Opportunities
Business Website Tips
Customer Management Tips
Direct Response Marketing
eMail Marketing Tips
Employee Management Tips
Entrepreneurial Tips
Marketing Tips
Money Management Tips
Sales Tips
Small Business Management
Tips on Starting A Business
Business Management Articles - Table of Contents
|
