These days almost everyone wants to use the internet to promote their business. Many businesses will have their own website, but even if you design the website yourself there are costs involved - hosting and domain name registering.
Don't despair, even if you don't have a website of your own there are ways of promoting your business online for free.
Find websites that promote your local town, village, city or region. Often they will allow you to have a basic listing of your business for free.
Find websites that are specific to your type of business, again many will allow a basic listing for free. For example, if your run a bed and breakfast business, find a site that will offer you a free listing. If you are an estate agent, find a site that lists estate agents in your area - most will list your business name and phone number for free.
In the UK, Yell.com will allow you a basic listing under one category for free.
Check out the website for your local newspaper. Most have a what's on section that will allow free listings. Hold an event - a themed or charity day - something that will draw attention to your business and bring customers to your door, and list it in the what's on section.
Search the internet for business directories and see if you can find some that will allow you a free lsiting. If you're wondering how they make their money - don't worry - the website owners will have put advertising on their site that will pay their costs.
Join online forums relevant to your business. If you have a website most will allow you to add your website address to your signature. A free way of promoting your website and therefore your business.
Speak nicely to all your friends/family/colleagues/fellow traders who have websites. If you have a website ask them to put a link to your website on their site and place an exchange link on your own website. If you don't have a website - ask if they can place a small piece about your business somewhere on their site in exchange for a free meal/haircut/night's b&b/whatever_service_your_business_offers.
Think creatively. The internet can be a great resource for promoting your business even if you don't have a website of your own.
