What are some cheap but effective advertising ideas for a small company?

I have three suggestions: 1.) Join a local service organization such as Kiwanis or Lion's Club or somesuch. When you are introduced seek out the older members and ask their advice in spreading the word of your new business. Ask them how they got started. 2.) If you are an alumni of a college or even a high school put in an announcement in their alumni publications. You might also consider joining Classmates on the internet. They have a way you can make announcements. 3.) Take a look at the books: Guerrilla Marketing for the New Millennium: Lessons from the Father of Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson (Paperback - Sep 15, 2005) and Guerrilla Marketing Weapons: 100 Affordable Marketing Methods by Jay Conrad Levinson (Paperback - Nov 1, 1990) Take a look at the several other books by Jay Conrad Levinson that are in addition to the two above. You can find these books in new or used editions at amazon.com

Post your business cards in places where this is allowed. Some restaurants and community centers have this. Also, other small businesses in your area, if any, can help you. Offer to reciprocate - e.g. if you have a handyman business and you locate someone who makes curtains, then copy their business card (or even tape it) to the receipt you provide your customer. Ask the other business to do the same with your card. Rotate cards if you have more than one business ally. Since the only thing more important than location is reputation, one must choose their business allies who are honest to the core and customer focused. Hope this helps - this is but one of hundreds of suggestions, too numerous to list here.

Yes there are fairs like home and garden shows perhaps you can run an open house on an anniversary of business. Is there something special about your business or something new you could right an article about it and send it to a local news paper editor. THis is a form of free advertising. THe fliers work great. IT is not too expensive to have them delivered by canada post look into it. save your time and efforts for more important promotion. HOw about coupons. can you run a special. Make a website post your business in the classifieds or yellow pages. These are all the same same old though i am afraid I have not told you anything too new or special. I asked this same question but I am looking for fresh advertising ideas.

Tell all your friends and family , to tell all their friends and family, to tell everyone they know and to all check it out!