There's an old cliché that says you have to spend money to make money. It is often repeated in relation to advertising spending. While it is true from a certain point of view, it is also possible to spend too much money on advertising, to the point that you are unable to recoup your losses. The key is not spending more money on advertising but being smart about how you use your allotted budget. Here are some smart, inexpensive options.

1. Social Media

Social media can be a powerful and relatively inexpensive way to connect with potential customers. The downside of social media is that there is a lot of competition with other companies offering similar products or services to yours. You really have to offer good value and be savvy about marketing to stand out from the others. You can give yourself an edge by paying to have your posts "promoted," which essentially turns them into advertisements. 

2. Printed Materials

Social media can be a useful tool, but you shouldn't depend on it to the exclusion of all others. Don't underestimate the strong impression that tangible advertising materials can make on your audience. With the help of custom printing San Francisco, you can create high-quality business cards, brochures, flyers, etc. to catch your audience's attention.

3. Vehicle Signs

If you use your vehicle for business, it might as well do double duty and advertise for you too. Window decals, magnetic signs, and vehicle wraps are relatively inexpensive ways to post advertisements on your vehicle. However, they can damage your paint job, so if this is important to you, learn more about the various options ahead of time.

You can also get your name out there by writing guest blog posts, sponsoring contests, and attending local networking events. You can find information on events in your community from the local small business association or chamber of commerce.