1. First and foremost, put your URL everywhere possible. Any and every thing that may come in contact with a customer should have your URL on it. Business cards, bags, flyers, newspaper ads, your store window, free giveaways -- as you re-order your stationery and promotional items, just add your URL. Simple and painless.

2. Use Link Exchange - each website can have a special page just for links to other (non-competing) businesses, giving each business a chance to pick up new customers at no cost. These links should NOT be on your main page, unless you want your visitors to click away the minute they hit your site.

3. Try Online Networking - Whatever your business or interests, there are others out there just like you, networking and exchanging information. You might even be able to find a local message board where you can meet other business owners and prospects. Join in and share, and you’ll find yourself getting customers and referrals without really trying.

4. Ask for referrals - This is an easy, but often overlooked source of new business…ask existing customers to tell their family and friends about your excellent products and services. If they’re happy with you, they’ll be glad to make referrals. But don’t expect them to think of it - remind them. And make it easy for them - put a tell-a-friend script on your website, so they can do it while they’re thinking about it. You may even want to offer some sort of reward - one local business offers $25 worth of free dry cleaning when customers refer 3 people who open an account.

5. E-mail - This is a no-brainer. Almost everyone has an email address, and once you get it, the cost of staying in touch with them is minimal. There are so many ways you can use email marketing that a slew of books, software and businesses have been developed to help you. But it all boils down to persuading your customers and prospects to give you their email address, then building trust through repeated contact.

6. Generate free publicity - What could be better than free publicity for your website? If you can find a public interest or news angle to tie into your business, you should write a press release, including website and email address so people can get more information. Or your business can sponsor a local event or volunteer resources to charity, giving your business (and your website) valuable exposure while you give back to the community. There are lots of free resources for creating press releases, and entire websites devoted to helping you get free publicity.

These are only a few of the many ways you can promote your business locally. You never know how someone is going to search for a business like yours, so you should use a variety of methods to get your name out there where they can see it!

Also, check out this site for some great ideas:
http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/9444/site_promotion/21_free_or_low_cost_ways_to_promote_your_on_line_business.html

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