How can I market my business for free?

What kind of a business is it?
There's a big difference in getting free marketing for a bikini carwash or getting free marketing for a law firm.

Joe...

Find local networking groups that meet in early AM, usually at a restaurant, that have 10-25 members. Go with the intention to help other companies and the law of reciprocation will eventually set in. You also have the option of ones that you pay fees to like toastmasters, BNI and PowerCore.

Eve,
I know only one option of free marketing: asking of you customers for the next recommendation. All other options need time to spend. ;)
Here they are:
- live networking
- internet networking (Web 2.0)
- putting and wearing creative ads on yourself
- creative interviews for journalists or scandalizing
- giving lectures
- personal branding
etc.

Hi Eve... I can tell you to do work on Social Networking Sites..
I wrote a Blog on How smart is your Social Networking? If you want you can go to it here: http://www.blackhawkpartners.com/Blog.aspx?id=38 It really helped me to get some Good Clients...

There's no such thing as "free marketing".

Building on Tama's response:

Have your own website and SEO it big time. Blog, LinkedIn profile, Facebook, Twitter, Slideshare, StumbleUpon, Youtube, white papers, press releases (there are free PR sites), comment on blogs and forums.

You can't do all of these without some small expenditure, but mostly its your time.

Geoff

These days online marketing concept is the best form of free marketing. You need to understand the logic of online marketing and implement it to get results.

Hi Eve... I can tell you to do work on Social Networking Sites..
I wrote a Blog on How smart is your Social Networking? If you want you can go to it here: http://www.blackhawkpartners.com/Blog.aspx?id=38 It really helped me to get some Good Clients...

You can market your business for "free" by hitting the ground and using tools such as Social Media, Search Engine Optimization, Networking and Blogging. You don't need a huge (or any) real advertising budget to do these things - it just takes a commitment and time to do them.

While it does take awhile to build up your reputation and your followers, the time is always well spent. Word-of-mouth is still by far the best form of advertising, and that's where Social Media can really help you out.

Ryan

Agree with Jeffrey's response, there is no "free" marketing, unless the value you place on your time is zero.

Check out this article titled "75 Big Marketing Ideas for Small Marketing Budgets" http://bit.ly/a7rTpM. Some great ways to market your business, many of which require little to no cash outlay.