Bumpkin, Broke and Reading: How to get your blog or business noticed

If you're just starting out or are looking for ways to boost your business/blog, successful self-promotion is key. Get your name out there with these tips...

Social media

Websites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Friends Reunited, etc have become so popular that they're now essential – not to mention free – marketing tools that are almost expected for every business, large or small. LinkedIn is especially for businesses and since May 2003 has over 120,000.000 users! If it's a self-employed business you want to promote why not start a blog. Add a Facebook 'like' button to each of your blog posts, and to articles or videos you love. Link your accounts together so that everything you post on your Facebook business page automatically posts on Twitter too, and vice versa.

Business cards

A business card is a simple and effect method to get your details across. I made mine with moo.com but I use to use Vistaprint.com as they off freebies.

Leaving your cards on the counters of local shops or at your kids' school is another easy way to get your name out there. There are a number of companies online where you can design your own cards at a relatively low cost but don't forget that the tax gets added on at the end of sites like Vistaprint! Plus, customising your card, instead of using the sites images and text, costs more. Make sure to include links to your Blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts

Word of mouth

The oldest trick in the book, word-of-mouth ensures you a good reputation and promotion. Customers will tell their friends about you if you are being polite, friendly and punctual. Self-employment is all about networking, by asking your friends, family and work colleagues to put out the good word your name will filter into a wider circle. Remember, the better you treat your customers/readers, the more likely they will be to recommend your work to others.

And keep in mind that everyone loves getting something for nothing: I treat my best customers to free samples whenever I can. Free gifts go down a treat too.