10 free platforms to advertise your business online

Launching an online platform has never been easier, especially with no-code website builders, such as SpreadSimple. But once your e-commerce site is live, promoting it becomes essential to attract visitors and build momentum. A polished website alone won’t drive traffic – you need to share it widely.

While many marketing options are costly, like paid ads or hiring an agency, there are ways to promote your business effectively without spending a dime. Below, we cover 10 top free advertising platforms to help entrepreneurs and businesses spread the word.

Creating a digital platform for your business does not require huge investments and months of hard work. With no-code platforms like SpreadSimple, you can create a website in less than an hour. This no-code website builder turns your Google Sheets into neat online platforms that can operate as a web shop, a directory, or a catalog.

Before diving into popular free platforms, here are a few tried-and-true methods for free promotion:

SEO techniques. Optimizing your website with search engine-friendly keywords boosts organic traffic. This approach is free but does require a good understanding of SEO principles to improve your search engine rankings.

Email marketing. With a high track record for effectiveness, email marketing connects you with potential customers directly. Newsletters, in particular, are a great way to keep your audience informed and engaged.

Blogging. A blog can bring in traffic and showcase your expertise. Regular posts establish your business as a trustworthy source and can drive conversions.

Social media marketing. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter are ideal for sharing updates, building loyalty, and increasing brand awareness.

Forums. Participate in discussions on popular sites like Reddit to connect with potential customers. Make sure your contributions are valuable to avoid coming across as too promotional.

Outreach marketing. Network with influencers and bloggers in your niche for mutual growth. Building relationships in your industry can be beneficial in the long term.

High-quality content. Consistently publishing useful and relevant content keeps your audience engaged and helps establish your business as a go-to resource. Focus on quality over quantity.

Promoting your business on free advertising sites is an affordable way to reach potential customers. Here’s a look at some of the most effective options:

Facebook Marketplace
With over 800 million monthly users, Facebook Marketplace has become a prime spot for customer engagement and product listings. It’s especially effective for selling a range of products like furniture, cars, and other goods.

Google My Business
Google My Business helps you appear in Google Search and Maps. By listing your website and company details, you can make it easier for customers to find and interact with your business.

eBay
As a high-traffic global marketplace, eBay provides great visibility. It’s particularly useful if you sell physical products and are looking to reach an international audience.

Craigslist
Known for its popularity in the U.S., Craigslist offers an extensive range of categories for products and services. With its broad audience, it’s a useful platform for both B2C and B2B advertising.

Locanto
Locanto is available in 60 countries and offers longer listing periods than many other platforms, making it ideal for promoting community-based events, classes, and services.

Oodle
Oodle connects with social media profiles, making it easy to integrate with your Facebook business page. It’s particularly advantageous for businesses that want to blend local listings with social media outreach.

OLX
OLX’s strong presence in more than 30 countries and its large monthly visitor count make it a solid choice for businesses targeting local audiences.

Adpost
Adpost provides free listings with options to renew ads, and supports multimedia content, making it ideal for businesses with eye-catching visuals.

Sales Spider
With its partnerships with big retailers like Walmart and Amazon, Sales Spider is a great free platform for networking and advertising.

Gumtree
Originally based in the UK, Gumtree has grown to serve a global audience. It’s user-friendly and effective for service-based businesses looking to attract more customers.

While free advertising offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Here’s a summary:

Benefits

• Cost-effective: Perfect for startups with limited budgets, free advertising platforms help save on marketing expenses.
• Wide audience reach: Many of these platforms have broad user bases, giving your business access to larger audiences.
• Improved online presence: Free platforms optimize their sites for search engines, which can help improve your website’s visibility.
• User-generated content: Positive reviews and ratings on these platforms can boost your reputation and attract more customers.

Drawbacks

• Limited features: Free options usually come with basic features, making it harder to stand out.
• Less control over branding: You have limited control over how your brand is displayed.
• Time-consuming: Managing profiles on multiple sites can be time-intensive.
• Risk of negative feedback: User-generated content can work against you if there’s negative feedback.

Many free options are available for promoting your website, which can be especially helpful if you’re just starting out. With a solid strategy, these platforms can drive traffic, build brand awareness, and increase conversions without breaking the bank. Choose a few of these advertising sites to get started, and watch your online presence grow.