YouTube represents an amazing opportunity to reach a target audience and build your brand. Mobile technology like your smartphone puts the resources to shoot high-quality video right in your pocket. And most computers today come preloaded with free video editing software. Let’s face facts: The only thing that is stopping you from launching your own YouTube channel is fear. The only way to conquer this fear is to start. Yes, your first few e�orts won’t win any awards – but by the time people start landing on your videos, you’ll feel like a pro. Again, use email to extend the reach of your vlogging by including links to your video content in your campaigns.

Vlogging

If the thought of standing in front of a camera is too much for you, pod-casting is the next best option. The great thing about podcasts is that people engage with them at any time and can still listen in when watching a video is not an option. Podcasts are consumed anywhere — in the car, on public transport, while exercising at the gym, or while working on something else. Check out this blog post and learn how to get started.

Podcasting

Blogging A blog is the beating heart of any content-led marketing strategy. Content management systems (CMS) allow you to share engaging, informative, and actionable content with your target audience. Email allows you to amplify that content even further. Remember: Every blog post should have an objective and a clear call to action. It’s also good practice to include an email subscription form on every page of your blog and on your website. If you cannot convert a blog or website visitor to a paying customer on the first visit, an email subscription gives you multiple opportunities to engage the visitor again in the future.

OK, social media today is largely a pay-to-play environment, but the initial investment remains FREE. Take the time to build an audience by sharing great content (from your blog, vlog, or podcasts) across all your social channels. Even a minor investment of $10 will allow you to boost your text and image posts on Facebook and extend your reach considerably. Remember: The very best social media marketers take the time to listen and engage in conversations rather than just broadcast. Every email you send should include links to your social channels.

Social Media

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Nothing beats a little real-world networking to oil the wheels of commerce — so get out there and mingle. Websites like Meetup.com provide a great opportunity to network with like-minded professionals based on interest or geography. Remember, when networking, the basic rules of marketing segmentation apply. It’s better to be in a room with 10 engaged prospects than to trawl around for leads in an unfocused crowd.

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6 Ways to MarketYour Business or Organization for FREE

Here are six channels that o�er no-costmarketing opportunities.

There is no such thing as cheap marketing or expensive marketing. There is only marketing that works and marketing that doesn’t work.

But for some organizations, SMBs, and nonprofits, marketing budgets are limited to investments in time rather than cash. The good news: If you have time on your hands, you can actually accomplish a lot.

Tough love time. Use technology to actually talk to a human. Don’t think of it as cold calling. If you’ve been proactive in your blogging, vlogging, social media, and networking strategies, you've already laid the groundwork and your call will not be as di�cult. People buy from people they like and trust – so take the time to build real relationships. Once a relationship has been formed, technology solutions like email marketing, marketing automation, and social media will assume some of the heavy lifting.

Skype

For more marketing ideas, visit our blog at: www.icontact.com/blog

You don’t need a huge marketing budget to be an e�ective marketer. You can start for free and build from there. And remember, in terms of investment — email marketing remains the lowest-cost marketing strategy with one of the highest ROIs!