How do you market an Internet startup with no marketing budget?

startup companies struggle a lot with funds, that is why marketers continuously are searching for no cost or low cost strategies.

Fortunately, new technology such as Social Media allows  marketers to establish their brand with no significant cost. interact with customers through social media regardless of the situation will make customers curious about the brand. 

Another way to market a new brand is through publicity, writing articles and sharing reviews about customers and experts about the product/service will give prospective customers more sources to read about the company 

Let us first define what aspects make up a typical marketing campaign:

1) Branding

2) Website

3) Advertising

4) Collaterals

Branding is the key to start marketing your business. You need to have the right name, logo, vision & mission statements, etc. to build your company into an identifiable brand that customers can relate to and this generally is the most critical and hence the most expensive aspect. However to beat the cost, you may use the services of a creative guy you have as a friend or within the family or even if it's you. But there are online websites which will help you connect with the right freelancers who can do it much much cheaper than anyone out in the market. Devote a lot of time and effort to this, as this will stick with you for years to come.

2) For creating a website there are online tools like Wik and Wordpress which would let you create your own website for free.

3) Advertising- The cheapest way to go here is word of mouth marketing and active presence on social media. You may also attend free events relavant to your business and use it as an opportunity to grow your network and also to promote your brand.

4) Marketing collaterals are not really the toughest thing to do, but surely consume a lot of time and effort. Again you could use some online tools and templates or just hire an intern if that's an option who can do the content writing while you focus on the business.

Hope that helps!!

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