If you have a website, an online store or even a blog – then you know that marketing is very important. With the World Wide Web the question is where do you begin when it comes to gaining exposure and selling your products online? Well, it’s not as difficult, or as expensive as it may seem.

There are several “free” ways that you can actually begin to market your site and products. Take a look at some of these:

1. Free Classified Ads
There are several free classified ad directories like Craigslist, Kijiji, Classifieds.co.uk, preloved.co.uk, adtrader, Facebook marketplace and adoos where you can place free classified advertisements for your products and services.

2. Blogs
Blogs are great ways to get information out to the public about your company, services and products. By writing general blog updates on areas that pertain your niche, you can gain valuable exposure and get numerous users clicking to learn more about you. Blogs are also free – check out WordPress and Blogger.

3. YouTube
Sure, YouTube is full of teenage prank and music videos, but believe it or not, YouTube is becoming one of the more popular avenues for making online adverts and promoting products. This not only allows users to see an actual product in use but allows the user to connect with you in a way traditional online marketing doesn’t. So check out YouTube and learn how to go viral with your products!

4. Forums
Using online forums can help you reach your target audience. It’s as simple as finding forums that pertain to your niche and commenting or giving advice on those forums. Do not spam the forums with useless information – contribute worthwhile, meaningful content. Also, forums often contain a marketplace section to peddle your wares.

5. Article Development
The world of online articles can dramatically increase your website traffic. No matter what your niche, you undoubtedly have some experience in your field. Why not use that experience to assist others? This is two fold: 1) It allows you to become the expert voice 2) It brings more traffic because people want to know and learn more so they go to your website.

Beginning online marketing is not difficult. As your business grows and you gain more exposure and income, you can then move up into other avenues of marketing. Remember, in the beginning some marketing is better then nothing at all.