During my long career as a professional volunteer, I learned a lot of lessons that I now apply to my business. (And after all, when you think about it, non-profit organizations are also businesses; they just direct their profits to their cause instead of to their owners or stockholders.)
Perhaps the most important practical lesson I learned is that one of the best ways to make money is not to spend it unnecessarily.
For example, there were certain people I would never put in charge of creating invitations for any fund-raising event; because they were likely to spend a lot on what I call my daughter’s wedding type of invitations, when an attractive and much less expensive version (minus the glossy paper, etc.) would do just as well.
In her article in Entrepreneur, Operating on a Shoestring? 20 Inexpensive Ways to Market Your Business, Kim Garst shares some really great marketing ideas that cost little or nothing, yet can potentially yield great returns.
Among the gems she mentions are:
- Create a Google My Business account.
If you want your business to show up in local search, a Google My Business account is a necessity. This will make sure your business is not only visible on search, but on Google Maps as well. - Get free PR with HARO.
How does free PR in national magazines and websites sound? Create a free account with HARO. (Help a Reporter Out) and respond to relevant media queries. - Create a free Yelp listing.
If you are a local business, consider adding your business to Yelp. It’s free, and can be a great way to increase your visibility in the search engines. - Guest post on popular niche sites.
Guest posting can be a great way to reach a whole new audience. Don’t forget to include a link back to your site in your bio!
You can find the rest of Kim’s great ideas here, along with links to other related articles.
Here’s wishing you happy freebie marketing.
Please be sure to share which of these ideas floats your boat the most in the comment section below.
