What are some decent ways to advertise my business for free or for a really inexpensive price? I don't have a whole lot of money at the moment, I am just looking for some low-grade, yet semi-effective tactics. I've submitted through a few search engine free submission sites, but maybe some of you have recommendations. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Hey,

If your looking for information on low cost or free advertising you should pick up "Guerilla Marketing" by Jay Conrad Levinson.

His books are all about the low budget marketing tactics that small business owners need to know.

They are really good books.

Some ways to get your business out online without having to pay is to join forums and let people know what you are doing. It does help build a small percentage of interest. Doing some type of trade does work at times. Like providing a service or product to someone for a period for advertisement on their site.
If you are wanting some ways to advertise in your local area: fliers which are not the best way but depending on the business can work, asking other business and your visitors center would they might placing your business cards at the cash register.

If you would like some more suggestions just send me a message and I would be more than glad to give you some advice and more ways to find business in a low cost way.

What type of business is it? That would help out greatly?

Hi thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions- some I've thought about, some I haven't. I appreciate it.

First, get your signature set up for any forums you post to. Make certain your business is listed and linked in your signature. That is the least expensive marketing tool available. Period! Oh, then post as many questions as you can grind out and as many answers as make sense. Note, not all forums are spidered by search engines. Don't know about this one.

Have you thought about adding nutrition products to your aromatherapy business? Not necessarily stocking for retails sales although that too is a possibility. Mostly online marketing via links from your site, cards-brochures-marketing papers from your retail store and personal contacts. Nutrition is also a possibility if you sell your aroma goods to any massage or aroma therapists. People in those kinds of businesses have many customer contacts who might well listen to their advice on product purchases.

The link in my signature line for nutrition is the line I'd hope you'll join us in!

Publicity is FREE and you can do it yourself. I can give you some suggestions if you offer a little more about what you do. And do you want to get the word out locally, nationally, online?

Yes, PR is soooo good. Think of a reason why the news should do a story on you and then get on the phone or do a press release. You'd be surprised how boring the world is... they will love you if you can come up with something interesting.

Blogs are a great way to advertise your company or your products free of charge. You can set up a free blog with Blogger.com and it is also a great way to create backlinks to any website you might own.