There are countless low-cost things you can do to promote your business. Here's ten of my favorite:

1. Always be prepared with an "elevator speech." When you meet new people talk about the benefits associated with the service you provide-NOT the actual process of how you achieve these benefits. In a nutshell, let prospective clients know how your service can solve their biggest problem.
2. Network and set goals. When attending events, workshops or meetings, don't sit by people you know. Hello? The point is to meet new people! Make a goal of meeting 3-5 new people at each event. Be interested in others, get their business cards and ask lots of questions. The more you know about their challenges, the better you can position yourself to help them.
3. Joining various clubs or groups is another way to promote your business. Every community has organizations such as a Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, BNI (Business Network International). These are excellent places to meet people and talk about what you do. But don't join if you are not going to participate. Simply being on a group's mailing list will not help you build the kind of relationships that will generate clients or interest in your business.
4. A great way to meet people is to volunteer in your community. Besides the great feeling you'll get by giving to others, other volunteers will generally ask what you do. Wearing a shirt or hat with your business name will be a reminder of the type of services you provide.
5. Teach a class through the local community education program. Community education programs attract people throughout your local service area. Teaching a workshop will help you make new contacts and also establish you as an expert in your field.
6. Ask for referrals! There is nothing wrong with asking your current clients if they know of others who might benefit from your services. In turn, you should be interested in their business if they have one, and be sure to promote them when the appropriate situation arises.
7. Create strategic alliances with other professionals with non-competing businesses. As a professional service provider, it's important to develop relationships with non-competing professionals so you can co-market and pass referrals. For example, if you're a massage therapist, a perfect strategic alliance for you would be a personal trainer and/or a chiropractor.
8. Write a press release and announce things that are happening in your business. New location, advanced certification, anniversary, etc. Most newspapers will print announcements/stories on local small businesses in their business section.
9. Take advantage of e-mail. You never know where you emails are going to end up. Make sure to include a signature line in your e-mail that includes your business name, website (if you have one) and a line or two about your business.
10. Establish a website presence. Today people surf the web for information on almost all the products and services they buy. You can post a tremendous amount of information about your services, background and expertise on a basic website. If you don't have one, GET ONE!