Cheap and Easy Marketing Tricks

A few weeks ago I picked up Entrepreneur's StartUps Magazine and leafed to an article called "Your Message: From a Whisper to a Scream", which gave 8 great, low-cost marketing ideas for a new business. Click below to read an abbreviated version of the article and check out some great marketing tips.

Get profiled. Start posting profile pages on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter and develop a following that wants to hear about your company

Make yourself a star. Create your own show via podcast or youtube and be your own PR person.

Pluck from the headlines. Compile a media list on topics related to your line of business, find reporters who cover those topics and send them news releases. Do one better and make yourself news by making yourself relevant to an already popular headline.

Go for the Demo. Find local events and showcase your product or service. If you film the session and post it online, you can simultaneously "make yourself a star"

Find business in your backyard. Take a good look at all the local businesses around you and see if you can offer discounted products or services to those companies' employees (or even their customers) in a relevant, helpful way.

Be a winner. Stay on top of magazine and trade publications to see if their offering awards of hosting a contest. If you win (or even place) then you have instant recognition.

Give it away. "Free stuff is always a hit". 'Nuff said.

Get Sourced. Sign up for websites that puts you in contact with reporters so that you can connect with them as a source or lead to a story.

Speak up. Book yourself as a speaker on a topic related to your business at local chamber of commerce meetings and other events. You'll be deemed an expert and will have instant "fame" in terms of networking with those in attendance. Also, if you record your speaking engagement, you can post it on your website and further facilitate "making yourself a star."

Check out the full article at http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneursstartupsmagazine/2009/june/202090.html

Do you have a successful cheap marketing tip or story to share? Comment below to share your ideas.