"Muck-raker": one who investigates and exposes issues; synonyms include: spin doctors, public relations professionals, marketing flacks
--Sign up with your local chamber of commerce. It is probably less than $300 and many prospective customers will find you on the chamber's website. Plus you'll likely get an introductory news blurb in their newsletter just for joining.
--Write a topical article relevant to your business and post it (with a link to your website) on ideamarketers.com, hubpages.com and/or ezinearticles.com. Other sites take your articles and run them (with proper attribution) on their sites.
--Put your number 1 key message or differentiator on the back of your business card
--Include your company tagline and your #1 key differentiator in your email signature with a link to your website
--Create a wallet-sized laminated card featuring your positioning statement and key messages and arm EVERY employee in your company with one.
--Create an email newsletter with links to articles that are relevant to your industry - no original writing required, but it puts your brand in front of your clients/prospects each week/month
--Create your own blog on a highly trafficked and searched mega blog like HubPages.com and post topical articles you write about your business.
--Send out an email to media that pertain to your business (and are read by your target customer) offering yourself as a source for any upcoming story that your professional expertise might be applicable to.
--Write a book about your business that offers some valuable insights to readers. It can be just 40 or 50 pages and doesn't have to be a Pulitzer Prize winner. Just make it sound professional and get a few friends or family to proof read it for you. Use it as a platform to showcase your industry expertise. If you're a mechanic, write a book about how to upgrade a motor. You can speak on a cursory level and don't really have to go into tremendous technical detail. Keep it simple but informative.
--Write a short press release announcing your business to friends, family and prospects. Post it online for free any number of free press release posting sites such as PR.com..
--Create your own online radio show and promote the heck out of it - all for free on BlogTalkRadio.com.
More added frequently...check back!
