Cámara de Comercio de Mercer Island

You know the old adage, “It takes money to make money”? While that may be true, marketing and advertising don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most effective ways to get your business noticed are either free or surprisingly affordable (especially with the technology available). Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow on a tight budget, here are 15 creative and cost-effective ideas to boost your visibility and draw in customers. 15 (plus one bonus) Cost-effective Ways to Get Your Business Noticed 1. Partner with Your Chamber of Commerce Your local Chamber is a marketing gem hiding in plain sight. Many chambers offer affordable sponsorships, advertising in their newsletters, banner placement on their website, and opportunities to speak at or host events. Chamber membership also often includes social media shoutouts, ribbon cuttings, and business directory listings—all built-in exposure for your brand. Chambers have excellent reputations in their communities as well as good relationships. Many tourists and new residents rely on referrals from the chamber when they come to town. Plus, the rates chamber’s charge for this type of high-quality exposure is very reasonable. 2. Get Active on Social Media You don’t need to be on every platform—just the ones where your customers spend their time. Create short videos, behind-the-scenes posts, tutorials, or even humorous content to show off your brand’s personality. Authenticity performs better than high-budget polish. Be consistent with your posting too. The more people see you, the more they notice and recognize you. Soon you will be on their mind. 3. Run a Giveaway or Contest People love free stuff. Give away a product or service in exchange for likes, shares, or email signups. It’s an inexpensive way to create buzz and grow your audience fast. Or run a contest when you host a pop-up or sponsor a table at an outdoor event (if it fits for your business). You’ll get to talk to a variety of people. A fun contest that also gets you more visibility is encouraging people to check-in when they’re at your business. Then provide a quarterly prize to the person with the most check-ins. 4. Create Google Business Profile Posts Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) are free and powerful. Use posts to highlight new products, offers, events, or blog content. Bonus: It helps with your SEO. 5. Use Customer Testimonials and Reviews Happy customers are your best marketers. Share their testimonials on social media, your website, and even printed materials. Ask loyal customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many people will write them when asked and when you make it easy for them to do so. Use links to get them where they need to be. 6. Get Involved in Community Events Sponsor a little league team, host a booth at a local fair, or donate a prize to a nonprofit raffle. Community involvement builds trust and visibility with your target audience. 7. Start a Referral Program Reward your current customers for referring new ones. A simple discount, freebie, or exclusive perk can motivate people to spread the word about your business. 8. Offer Free Workshops or Classes If you’re an expert at something, share your knowledge. Hosting a free online or in-person workshop can position you as an authority while attracting new leads. Share hashtags at your event to remind people to share on social. 9. Pitch Local Media Send story ideas or press releases to your local newspaper, TV station, or community blog. Journalists are always looking for local angles—your business could be the next feature. 10. Use Window or Sidewalk Signs Creatively A clever chalkboard sign or window display can stop foot traffic in its tracks. Make people smile, laugh, or think—and they’ll remember your business. 11. Create a Loyalty or Punch Card Program Encourage repeat business by rewarding customers who come back. Whether digital or old-school punch cards, loyalty programs keep your brand top-of-mind. It can also sway people to choose you more often. For instance, if they know they’ll get points from buying with you, they may go out of their way to do so knowing that they will benefit from it. 12. Offer a Limited-Time Promotion Scarcity sells. Use urgency—“for 3 days only,” “first 10 people,” or “today only”—to create buzz and spike short-term interest. 13. Join (or Start) a Local Business Collaboration Team up with complementary businesses for cross-promotions. For example, a coffee shop and a bookstore might do a “Read & Recharge” special. You both win. 14. Start an Email Newsletter Email is still one of the highest-ROI marketing tools. A simple monthly email with updates, deals, or helpful tips can keep customers engaged and coming back. 15. Use Your Vehicle as a Moving Billboard A magnetic car sign or vinyl decal can turn your commute into an advertising campaign. It's a one-time investment that works 24/7. Bonus: Watch your favorite brands. What makes you stop what you’re doing or stops you from scrolling. Even if they’re in a completely different industry, ask yourself how you might use what they do to improve your marketing. You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. With some creativity and a willingness to show up where your audience is, you can get your business noticed without breaking the bank. And this isn’t a “choose one and you’re done” idea. These ideas are designed to get you thinking about what your audience will respond to. Then give it to them consistently so they get used to seeing you around. And remember—your Chamber of Commerce is here to help. Reach out and ask about marketing opportunities available to members. You might be surprised by how many resources are already at your fingertips.

Let’s be real. Elevator pitches can feel like a late-night infomercial–a robotic recitation of what your business does with an added exclamation point at the end. But for business owners and sales professionals, every interaction is an opportunity. A truly effective elevator pitch transcends mere information delivery. It's about forging genuine connections that can blossom into leads, partnerships, and lasting relationships. It's about making those precious few seconds count, not just for what you say, but for how you make the other person feel. What most people get wrong in their elevator pitch is that they make it sound like a commercial and all about them, when it should be about your audience. Forget the rigid templates and the pressure to cram every detail into a thirty-second spiel. This isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about initiating a conversation. The key lies in shifting your focus from simply explaining your business to creating a spark of interest and establishing a human connection. If you take nothing else from this article know that: the pitch must ignite interest The Psychology of Connection in Brief Interactions Humans are wired for connection. Even in brief encounters, we subconsciously seek common ground, shared values, and genuine interest. Your elevator pitch should tap into this innate desire. Instead of launching into a list of features and benefits, start with a relatable problem you solve or a shared passion that drives your business. Think about your ideal client or contact. What are their pain points? What are their aspirations? Craft an opening that acknowledges their world and subtly positions your business as a potential solution or a valuable resource. This approach immediately makes the interaction less transactional and more empathetic. Storytelling Elements That Resonate While quick is crucial, weaving in a concise narrative “elevates” your pitch. Instead of saying, “We offer marketing solutions,” try something like, “I help small business owners who are overwhelmed by social media finally find a consistent way to connect with their customers and grow their brand. I saw my own sister struggle with this, and that’s why I started [Business Name].” This personal touch and the hint of a story make your pitch more memorable and relatable. Focus on the why behind your business. What motivates you? What impact do you hope to make? Sharing a sliver of your passion can create an emotional resonance that facts and figures alone can't achieve. Tailoring Pitches to Different Personality Types Not everyone responds to the same approach. Observe the person you're speaking with. Are they direct and results-oriented? Focus on the tangible benefits and your track record. Are they more relationship-focused? Emphasize collaboration and shared values. Having a few variations of your pitch allows you to adapt to different personalities and contexts. Practice delivering each version so it feels natural and authentic, rather than forced. The Importance of Active Listening Post Delivery Your elevator pitch isn't a monologue; it's the opening line of a potential dialogue. Pay close attention to the other person's reaction. Are they asking questions? Are they nodding in understanding? Are they looking over your shoulder to be bailed out of the conversation the moment they see someone they know? Use their cues to guide the conversation. Be prepared to elaborate on specific points that pique their interest. This shows you're genuinely engaged and interested in their needs, not just delivering a pre-rehearsed script. A thoughtful question in return can further deepen the connection and open doors for future interaction. Ultimately, a successful elevator pitch is less about perfection and more about authenticity. It's about conveying your passion, highlighting your value, and making a genuine connection in a short amount of time. By focusing on building rapport and leaving a lasting impression, you transform a brief encounter into a potential steppingstone for long-term growth and meaningful relationships. So, ditch the robotic recitation and embrace the art of the connection – and your pitch will get you all the way to the top floor.