Marketing on a startup budget

I was reading an article on startup needs over at the Portland Business Journal. Wil Schroter offers some great necessities for anyone starting a business.

But it got me thinking…

Since a marketing strategy is essential – and money is always tight, what can a startup do to market itself on a small budget.

Here are my top low-cost ideas:

1. Create a blog and post at least three times a week. Talk about trends, ideas and helpful tips to help your target prospect. And don’t forget to comment on other people’s blogs that reach your target audience.
2. Let your story be heard by getting some free publicity. Editorial features are more credible to prospects than paid ads. To get coverage from the local media, such as the local newspaper, TV or radio stations, however, you need a fresh and newsworthy story. You need to target those messages to the appropriate media professional.
3. Give speeches. You’d be surprised how many other businesses, organizations and clubs need people of expertise to share information. This establishes your expertise and credibility while at the same time promotes your own business. Research clubs, groups, the local chamber of commerce and organizations often look for speakers with expertise in interesting and informative topics.