When you really want to attract new customers on a low budget, here are some inexpensive but effective ways to promote your business.

1. Ask your customers to fill out a brief "survey" (which you have prepared) about you and/or your company/service/product. If you just ask them to write a letter of recommendation, most people, even if they agree, will not take the time to do it. Make it easy for them to comply. You can then show these surveys to prospects and post on your website (you DO have a website, right?).

2. Volunteer to conduct an educational seminar at your local library or Chamber of Commerce. Make sure your seminar is informative and educational, not a sales pitch. You can distribute informative material with your contact information and make a special offer to the attendees.

3. Offer to speak to local civic groups, such as Rotary or Kiwanis. They are always looking for informative speakers. Most of them meet once a week, so they need 50 speakers per year and will usually welcome your offer. Again, don't make it just a sales pitch!

4. Write short articles or letters about your service or product to the editors of local newspapers and business publications. Include contact information and mention your website.

5. Ask for introductions to prospective clients from your lawyer, accountant, and other professional friends. This type of introduction is one of the best ways to increase your client base.

6. Ask your current clients for the names of three people they know who might be able to use your service. You might even be able to ask for an introduction by phone or in person. Very powerful!