Too many small business owners look at their marketing budgets as just too costly or too much of an expense. Contrary to this belief marketing need not be a huge expense. When you are a little quieter why not focus your time on creating a cost effective marketing plan? You will need to invest some time and maybe make a small investment, but unless you get the word out to your customers any business will only be forgotten. However, lets look at doing this the most cost-effective way possible.

10 low-cost marketing tips to follow:

1. Make customers feel special. People respond to recognition. Adequate customer support is often your first opportunity to garner loyalty among paying clients.

2. Distribute business cards worth keeping. Real estate agents sometimes affix their photos and information to magnetic calendars; Distributing notepads with your tagline and contact info on every page.

3. Stop marketing to unprofitable — or break-even — customers.

4. Cultivate an electronic mailing list. In the mutable days of “new media,” it is easy to forget how effective a direct mailer or e-newsletter can be. Invite customers and clients to open your mail with special offers, analytic data or other useful information.

5. Improve visibility at trade shows and conferences. It helps to be a (friendly) regular with sticky giveaways. Be selective: trade shows can be costly.

6. Mix business with pleasure … and charity. Don’t underestimate the viral power of hosting a charity golf day or luncheon in your community.

7. Network, Join and Sponsor Local Clubs and Organisations – Make yourself visible. Join the Chamber of Commerce and any other service clubs that exist in your community

8. Become an expert in your field. Why not give advice away? As familiarity with your name grows, so too will familiarity with your associated brand. Blogging, and getting involved with a relevant blogging community, makes this easy. Encourage syndication of useful content.

9. Build relationships with local media.

10. Maintain relationships with repeat customers. It costs less to retain a client, however disgruntled or inactive, than it does to acquire a new one. Send personal messages and offer opportunities to improve their brand experience with you.