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Five Free Ways to Market Yourself

List your business widely. Don’t stop at the Yellow Pages! Take advantage of the various directories online. Many are free, and some are specific to a single industry, which can help you zero in on your target market.
Do a referral exchange. Get to know other business owners whose services complement your own. Offer to display their cards/materials in exchange for the same treatment at their places of business.
Use the press. Write an informative press release and submit it to local publications (both print and online) to generate buzz. Just make sure to mention a unique aspect of your business or upcoming event and send it to the appropriate editor.
Comment on blogs that are relevant to your business and post a link to your Web site. Don’t just “sell” your product (it’s frowned upon); genuinely connect with people on shared interests. They’ll be more likely to turn to you instead of your competitors when they want something your business provides if you’ve bonded through a conversation.
Become a speaker. Create a thoughtful speech or presentation that offers insight into your industry or practical advice, and then volunteer your public-speaking services to local clubs, nonprofits and professional organizations. You’ll get undivided attention and position yourself as an expert.

Simple yet often overlooked advise. All of these suggestons should be done on a regular basis, not just once.
I have had great luck with brick & mortar referrals. it's amazing how long people will hang on to your business card if it's something they are likely to use in the future. I myself have a box full that I've picked up here and there. I periodically go through them to see what is relevant to where I am at now. I am always surprised at the wealth of information. Just yesterday I used a service of a card I have had for over a year! I also took the time to scan them all into my smart phone with a cool app ABBYY Business card Reader.
Give it a try...
Betsy

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