Places to Advertise online for free

As you sit down and decide on your budget for advertising, I highly recommend that you take full advantage of the available avenues that allow you to advertise for free.

We've compiled a list of some of these below:

Facebook for Business

To create a business page for your business on Facebook you will need to have a personal account. Click on your name in the upper right hand corner and scroll to the bottom. From there you will see a selection for 'Create a Page'. Fill out all of the information that is asked thoroughly. Make sure that you update this page regularly and add a link to it from all of your online websites. It will take some time and is a slow process. Don't be discouraged at first if you only receive a new like a month, it will slowly grow into being an excellent resource to spread news and events about your business timely, efficiently and best of all for free.

Yelp!

You will need to create an account. Be sure to check your inbox to verify your email address before you try to add your business. Search for your business's name in the upper search bar and the zip code where your business is. When the page loads it should tell you that there were no matches found and give you the option to add a business. This website allows your customers to leave reviews on your business which is definitely an asset.

Yahoo!

At the bottom of the page you will see a link to Add a Business. Once you select that it will ask you sign in. If you already have login credentials for Yahoo! sign in or you can create an account. It takes approximately 4 to 5 days for final approval before you will see your business listed.

Yellow Pages (YP.com)

Take a moment to check their site, just to make sure that you aren't already listed. The link above will take you directly to the form for listing your business.

Super Media

Just as easy as filling out your phone number to see if your business is already listed. Then follow the rest of the steps.

Yellowbook

You will need to click on the Request a Consultation to have a representative contact you in regards to your listing. Yellowbook no longer offers the ability to complete these steps online; however, their support staff is excellent and will assist you will all your needs.

Manta

It's as easy as clicking on Get Started. Follow the instructions. You will have to pick up the phone and call Manta to confirm your listing and that you are an actual person. At the very end of the process you will see a choice of different programs that have a cost. Just know that even though it appears that you have to pay for the listing once you call in with the verification code you can say no and the link is in the middle of the page to say No, Thanks.

Google+ for Business (Formally Google Places)

Google search "Google Places Business". Once you find the right page it will ask you to sign in with your Google login (the same for your personal Google+ account which accesses your business account). Google Places will ask for your business phone number and guide you through the rest of the process. To verify your information, if they do not already have your business listed at your address, they will send a postcard in the mail with a verification code for you to fill out your information.

Bing Business Portal

Select the option on the left that does not require log in information. Bing will then give you the option to search for your business. If there is already a listing you can claim it and if not you can create a new one. You will need to provide Contact Information and Communication Preferences. Bing gives you a lot of details to fill out - even a QR code and mobile website that they create for you. Be sure to list as much as possible. The more information you provide the better the chances that your customers will find you. You will have to verify your business if it is a new business. You can select to have a letter sent to you with a PIN number which will take approximately 7 to 10 days.