Practical and Cost-efficient Advertising Methods

Advertising and marketing, as you know, is one of the essential tools required to succeed as an entrepreneur. Many start-up VA's have to contend with a “shoe-string budget”. As such, one has to research methods befitting of such a budget.

I happen to be one of the VA’s that started on a “shoe-string budget” and tested quite a few advertising/marketing methods over the years. Depending on your personality, you may prefer to focus on web ad campaigns. However, it is also of importance to market yourself beyond the internet, ie: business networking meetings, etc. This article, however, is about some of my preferred ad methods via the World Wide Web.

Search Engine Optimization:
I was always a bit skeptical about agencies offering this service and opted not to use them and preferred to handle that aspect myself. Ironically, I “stumbled” in an article earlier this week that happened to confirm my suspicions about these agencies. If interested to read the article, please click here. I for one am sure glad I didn't outsource this to any one of those agencies. The (hefty) fees they charge can certainly be applied to far better use.

Classified Ads:
In my experience, classified ads work quite well. It’s an inexpensive method and warrants you the opportunity to target your preferred (global) market areas. Whilst residing in Holland, I used marktplaats.nl and recommend the service to anyone.

Sticker(s) and Pin(s):
Both methods work fantastic, and are great tools to initiate conversation pertaining to your business! I’m a member of the International Virtual Assistants Association, and received these tools along with my welcome package. For variety, I plan to have a few other pins made with different interesting texts, ie: “I’m a VA! Need one?!”.

Networking:
This is another great way to market your business and generate new friends. In addition, you can get professional advice and assistance for Free! I’m currently a networking member at eCademy and I’m really enjoying my membership in addition to the extra exposure I generate via search engines. Need proof? Visit Google, search for my name, and see what pops-up.

Reciprocal Links:
This is a cool system, and it’s Free! Simply exchange links with fellow entrepreneurs, and place it on your website. People visiting your site get exposed to their site and vice versa.

Okay…that’s about it for today! Don’t forget to “check-in” for updates on my Blog. I plan to post at least one new message each week.

Yours truly,
Sophia van Dinter
VAPractice.com
@ your service despite of your location!