Who doesn't love a freebie? Especially if you are a small business on a shoestring budget! Here are 10 Free Ways To Advertise Your Business Online
I have only included things that I have or would use myself, because I care about producing good value content for my readers. So get your notebook out! I have added links to sign up pages so you can read this and then head straight to listing your business for free online and that will be your marketing done for the day, you're welcome.
1. Google My Business
Google My Business is a free tool for businesses to manage their online presence across Google. So, if a client types in your name into Google Maps or the search engine, you will be found. It is a great way to control the narrative of your company, you can add photos, videos, offers and really describe what you do to potential customers. With nearly 8 billion searches every day, Google can be a massive source of income if used well.
2. Scooploop
I can't really continue the blog without addressing the elephant in the room, what a bizarre name for a business. Sure, Affordable Web Design may be a bit boring and to the point, but Scooploop is pretty unique! Must be a real win for SEO ranking, anyway! Scooploop is a free local social network, great if you are serving the local community. Restaurants, bars, hotels, spas and several other types of businesses can benefit from Scooploop.
3. Manta
Unfortunately, they only cater to US businesses at the moment however, the service looks great and extremely easy to set up. It is dedicated to the interests of small businesses and with 20 million customers finding businesses on Manta every month, it seems like a must have on the list!
4. Yell (Yellow Pages)
Gone are the days where you needed to find a local listing in a big yellow book of thin paper and tiny text, Yell has brought the Yellow Pages into the 21st century. Also, it now has a digital marketing team you can pay for. Although, this blog is about free listings for your business, so I'll stick to the point; to list online is free and you can even do a website check to see how your page is viewed by Google and other search engines (for free)!
5. Yelp
The most popular online source for raw consumer reviews is Yelp. Being listed on Yelp can make or break you, but those who provide great service and good solid reviews will see a great deal of growth by using this listing. The demographics of Yelp users makes it way too valuable to pass up.
6. Bing Places for Business
Google competitor, Microsoft, offers this free business advertising platform that allows you to add multiple business locations, videos, photos and a lot more to your free online business listing. It has a quick and easy registration process that you can sync to your Google My Business account and you can even optimise your ads for various viewing platforms through Bing Places for Business.
7. The Sun
When I saw this offering I had to take a double take, free business listings in a tabloid seemed to not compute! But it's true, promise! Add your free business listing to The Sun. They claim they will "Drive phone calls and enquiries to your business and traffic to your website. Reach of millions of customers actively looking for the products and services you sell.", might as well give it a go.
8. My Local Services
My Local Services are a UK based business directory, they even have a place to review your site and a business advice forum, which is nice. All you need to do is add your details and you're good to go.
9. The Evening Standard
I know, another news publication! At least I spaced them out? The Evening Standard has teamed up with local directory publisher Scoot.com to give a free Business Profile page on the Standard website for London businesses.
10. Social Media
This is a no brainer to be honest, but I thought it was well worth the mention! Building positive awareness of your business is a slow marathon, the more places you can cover the better. If people don't know about your business, they can't become your customers. Social media boosts your visibility among potential customers, letting you reach a wide audience. So, sign up and remember to be consistent.
To sum, here are the ten companies you can list your business with for free:
Google My Business
Scooploop
Manta
Yell (Yellow Pages)
Yelp
Bing Places for Business
The Sun
My Local Services
The Evening Standard
Social Media