If you know where to look, there is a wealth of free marketing opportunities for your business available online. I have listed below some of my particular favourites which don't require any particular skill - just some time.

Don't let a small marketing budget prevent you from marketing your business.

Free PR
Whatever the size of your business, distributing a press release is always a good idea. There are several sites that offer a press release service free of charge. My favourites include:

• PRLog - free press release distribution
• PRFire - free press release distribution

Search Engine Services
Google and Yahoo both offer a service where you can register your business name, address and contact details. In a few weeks you will get a map listing for your company name or industry and town in the search results.

• Google Local
• Yahoo Local (run by a third party company)

Directories
Yell.com and Yellow Pages offer free basic listings while local listing are available for your area. In Rutland, for example, we have RutNet and Oakham People.

• Yell.com
• Rutnet
• Oakham People

If this is still a little too daunting for you, then contact E.V.C. Marketing and we will be able to help you out.

I had a request this week from a client to produce a certificate of achievement for their clients who had successfully completed their computing training. It had to be in a format that could be mail merged with the client's name and printed on a standard office colour printer - on heavier stock.

This is a great idea. I have always believed in the carrot rather than the stick and in my experience an acknowledgement from a respected source that you have completed a task successfully is great encouragement. It is also a low cost way to show your staff or your customers that you appreciate what they have achieved.

I did a quick Google search for certificates but decided on my own design in the end - and the client is very happy. However, if this is not your strength here are a couple of sites which might help you. Or give me a call and E.V.C. Marketing can help you out.

www.123certificates.com
www.successcertificates.com