Starting and running your own small business can be very expensive.  Keeping your costs down can make the difference between staying afloat and losing your business.  There are some things you can do to cut down on your expenses and improve your bottom line.
There is one simple thing you can do that will advertise your business and save you some time and postage.  When you send out invoices or other business related materials to customers, include your sale flyer.  You can also put flyers and coupons in the bag with customers’ purchases.  Try combining marketing expenses with other companies that sell products similar to yours, by sharing mailing lists and cross-promotion.
A good cost-free way to garner more business and get your name out there is to share your expertise, by writing an article for a local publication, teaching a class, or being a guest speaker at a community event.  This will not only draw business to your company, but will show that you are knowledgeable in the products or services you offer.
If you have a website, you can draw customers to your site by visiting and participating in online discussion forums that cater to your particular field.  You don’t need to try and sell, just include your web address in your signature.  The only investment you’ll have is some of your time.  It is also important and advantageous to make your web address known.  Include it in your letterhead, on your advertising materials, business cards, and email signature.  Put it in your yellow pages add, and on the side of your company vehicle if you have one. By taking advantage of web-based services like Internet Faxing, you can also save a significant amount of money, effort and time.
When it comes to buying your office equipment and furniture, try and buy used whenever possible.  You can save a lot of money by shopping at auctions, local classifieds, and online auction sites.
Saving a little money here and there will add up over the long run and is well worth the little bit of extra effort it may take.