Content

• Steps
• Tips

Whether your business is new or you just want to increase sales, there are many ways to advertise for free. Many people use search engines rather than print guides and newspapers to find local services and products, so even local businesses can benefit from having an online presence and social media engagement. Learning free local advertising on the Internet takes time and effort, but it is an important part of your marketing efforts. If you want to learn how to advertise locally for free online, see Step 1 to get started today.

Steps

1. 1 Get listing on google places. It's fast, free, and Google places listings almost always appear first in Google search results. Go to places.google.com/business. If you already have a Google account, set up one by clicking the "create account now" button. Follow the instructions to register. Then click the "list your business." Enter your business phone number and follow the instructions to create your profile. Be sure to use keywords in your description - words that people search for your business by typing into a search engine. Make sure the address and card information are correct.
2. 2 Register your business on Yahoo! Local (local.yahoo.com.) Like Google, Yahoo! Local will be listed first when users with a Yahoo! as a search engine, will search for local services.
3. 3 Create listings on local search sites. These include MerchantCircle.com, InsiderPages.com, UrbanSpoon.com, Mapquest.com, and Local.com. Like Google places, enter your business phone number and follow the instructions to set up your account. Search other local businesses to find additional local directories and more options for finding a way to advertise locally for free on the Internet.
4. 4 Advertise for free on yellowpages.com. Go to the website and click "advertise with us."
5. 5 Set up your Facebook, MySpace and Twitter accounts. These should be independent ads solely for your business and not based on your personal account. Be sure to include your full address. Update your pages with news, new products and services, sales and other events in the form of a conversation. Avoid persistent sales or spam.
6. 6 Use an ad on Craigslist.com. It's completely free, and while it doesn't offer a lot of flash or graphics, Craigslist is increasingly becoming a source for people looking for services and products. If you offer services, be sure to follow the "gigs" section of Craigslist to find ads posted by people looking for services.
7. 7 Create a website and blog. Even a simple website is a source for listing your business name, location and services that can be found on search engines. The blog may be updated regularly, giving you a better chance of getting your name out on the Internet.
8. 8 Check sites for the presence of your local chamber of commerce, city or area. These sites often have a directory of local businesses. If this is not a way to automatically list your business, contact them by email or phone and ask how you can be included.

Tips

• Be sure to keep track of your accounts on all local directories and social media sites. Most provide a way for people to leave comments and ratings. Use them to gauge what people think of your business and what improvements need to be made, and be sure to respond to comments - positive and negative - in a polite and respectful manner.
• Most local directories offer advanced features that are available with a paid subscription. Start with as much free advertising as possible and then evaluate these advertising opportunities depending on your budget and advertising goals.