Marketing promotion can  be a daunting task, but definitely a necessary one for small business owners.  Tooting your own horn can seem like bragging, and we’ve all been taught that being boastful is a negative character trait.  But when you own your own business, it’s essential to promote your product or service.  If you won’t do the job, who will?

And promoting your business is a big part of the job.  Realize that selling yourself is essential to your success.  Use your strengths.  If you are a people person, use your sparkling personality to network and strike up conversations, whether they be online, in person, or by phone.  Is writing your forte?  Spread the word about your services through your copy.  No matter what, it’s imperative to “put yourself out there” in some way.

Here are a few ideas:

• Write articles - Article writing can be a great way to promote your business.  Find web sites or publications related to your niche and offer to write articles, including a bio linking to your website.  Try a site like eHow that covers all topics.
• Become an expert - Is there a skill or service that you can offer in relation to your business?  If so, offer to teach classes or workshops as a way of promoting yourself as a reputable source.  Perhaps you could offer consulting or coaching services as well.
• Create media releases - Write a press release for your business and send it to your local paper or radio station.  Check out sites like PRLog.org for places to run your press release online.
• Develop an e-book or newsletter - Ask permission to add your contacts to a mailing list and send updates on a regular basis.  Doing so provides credibility and reminds potential customers of your presence.
• Utilize your e-mail signature -  Any easy tool in marketing promotion is simply to add your business website’s URL to every e-mail you send out.
• Improve your “About Me” page - Many people don’t use this tool to its fullest potential.  People are interested in learning about you as a person.  If people see you on a personal level and are able to make a connection, it’s more likely they may buy from you or request your service.

These are some simple marketing techniques you can use right away to begin promoting yourself and your business.  Get out there and make yourself known - you won’t regret it!