If you are running a home-based business, chances are that your marketing budget is very low or non-existent. Don’t be that entrepreneur who gets jaded by initial success or disheartened by initial failure. Instead, try these easy, low-cost methods to promote your business and get the word around.

Build a blog : A blog is your own spot n cyberspace to build your brand and make it known. Share your thoughts, ideas, write about what you do, share some tips for customers- there’s a lot you can do with a blog. Blogs can also be used for B2B communication. All you need to do is choose a host and decide on the kind of content you want to opt for.

Be a social butterfly : Initially, it might be a great idea to throw a few mixers-invite your peers, possible clients, even people you might want to partner with in the future. Beside this, use tools like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to promote your business. A lot of awareness and networking today takes place on the internet.

Buy an ad : We know that you want to try and save money. We are talking about locally placed ads like flies with newspapers, ads in local magazines or a smaller space like a park bench or another public spot. Try teaming up with local events that could be related to your industry or about your industry.

Self-promotion : Send out press releases to local newspapers and other local media. And when they come knocking for quotes for a story pertaining to your industry, talk about it at length. Build up your profile as a professional with sufficient industry knowledge. Again, we cannot emphasize more about this- network, network, network!

List it : List your company and services on sites like Mediabistro, yellow pages, Hire my Mom, Elance etc. These sites reach out to a large crowd looking for local services/products. These sites also allow you to post your portfolio which gives future clients a look see at your work and contact you if they feel you meet their requirements.