So, you've decided to start your own small business or consulting practice. You've got a few potential clients, but how can you get the word out that you're open for business without spending a fortune?

1. Get a website for your business. A website is the first step to establishing yourself as a legitimate business in the eyes of your customer. Often, after introducing yourself, your prospective client's first question is "do you have a website”? Customer's like to check out your website because it will give them a feel for who you are and how you do business. While ideally a website is designed and maintained by some super-techie, that doesn't have to be the case if you're on a limited budget. Check with family or friends to see if anyone just happens to have that techie talent for creating form out of chaos, or take a class from your local community college in website design. There are also online resources that walk you through the process of designing your own website using standard templates. The important thing is to get a well written website up and running quickly so that you appear to be a legitimate, customer-focused business with a professional image.

2. Get classy looking business cards. Many word processing software programs now come with a business card template and some standard clip art. When designing and printing your own business cards consider using at least two complimentary colors in your text and logo (no black and white cards, please!) and use the highest quality business card stock that you can afford. Good business card stock will help you to achieve that professionally printed look without the professionally printed price.

3. Develop a splashy brochure. Your brochure should give a brief summary about you, provide a complete listing of services and prices, some comments from satisfied customers, and your complete contact information. Try to make your content concise, interesting and the layout easy to read. It's always a good idea to incorporate the same general "look” you used in your business cards in your brochure. An attractive brochure can be mailed to potential customers, handed out at a seminar or presentation, or left with members of your referral network.

4. Send out a Press Release. The "news” we read in the papers or see in the media is often a result of someone sending out a press release about themselves and their accomplishments. All you need to do is get a list of newspapers (local community papers are great) and media outlets that cater to your ideal customer. Your press release should be interesting but not too long. Try to write your paragraphs so that each paragraph stands on its own. That way the editor can cut paragraphs that may not be "interesting” or make the article too long for publication. Make absolutely, 100% sure, that you spell check and grammar check your press release. And please make sure you've included all of your contact information, especially your website. A well-written press release is an invaluable source of free, free, free advertising.

5. Establish a referral network. Referral networks are used to minimize the cost of advertising while targeting people who are likely to purchase your services or products. To develop your network, start by thinking of the businesses and professionals that will come in contact with people that would be ideal customers for your business. For example, a professional handyman might contact a Real Estate agent and a house painting business with information about his services. Make a list of the businesses or professionals that would serve your ideal client. Then drop by with your business card and brochures, ask for their business cards and marketing materials, and offer to include them in your referral network if they'll do the same for you. As you build your referral network you'll find yourself with a free source of advertising perfectly targeted to your ideal customer.

Utilizing these five low cost and no cost marketing concepts can quickly get your new business venture headed in the right direction. Best wishes for success!