If you run a home-based business, chances are your marketing budget isn’t just modest; it’s probably non-existent. There are, however, ways to succeed in your target market by providing information about who you are and what you do.

1. Bulletin Boards

Price ranges from $0 to $25, depending on method and print quantity.

While school children may not be your main market, message board advertising may be used in various ways. I know an editor specializing in post-graduate educational papers and only advertises on school campus billboards with tear-away fliers. Try distributing fliers at the library or on the bulletin boards of local supermarkets and merchants. Alternatively, post your notice on digital bulletin boards such as Craigslist. If you’re a frequent forum user, you may also include your company’s name in your signature.

2. Publications

Cost: nil

Smaller, native media shops like sharing interesting facts about their industry’s tiny businesses. So, suppose you’ve got something noteworthy to announce. In that case, you’re starting a new business, offering a new service, or expanding, for example – sending a press release to your local newspaper or radio station. (Before you send out your news release, double-check that you haven’t committed any of the cardinal sins of press release authoring!)

3. In-depth interviews

Cost: nil

Native reporters often seek professional input to supplement their stories. You should use the press releases mentioned above to alert reporters and producers to the situation as soon as possible. Make it clear to them that you’re a seasoned source available for interviews and guest comments. When you’re cited in an article or asked to appear as a guest on a local radio talk show, your name and credentials will be referenced to assess your expertise on the issue being discussed – that’s free advertising for your home-based business.

4. Business Playing Cards

$10 and higher in price

Business cards are still a tried and tested method of advertising your company. They’re quite inexpensive to build and are useful tiny instruments. You may give out a business card during a networking event when you offer a quote for services or to a new acquaintance you’d want to reconnect with. Useful business cards may also be utilized as appointment reminders for service-based small businesses or as incentive coupons for fresh new customers.

5. Brand Appearance

$25 and higher in price

You might be a walking, talking advertisement for your small company. Put on a branded Polo shirt if your job requires you to visit many households and businesses. You’ll seem more knowledgeable in public, and the customers you meet at the convenience store, post office, or workplace supply store will notice your small company as well. You may market your home-based business almost everywhere – the airport, the doctor’s office, a trade show, or your child’s soccer game, for example.

It is possible to market on a budget, but effort and innovation will need to be effective. What are some creative and low-cost ways you’ve promoted your small or home-based business?