Many small business owners know about and use modern resources such as Facebook and Youtube to market their business. However, new and interesting ways of marketing yourself for a low cost in a very competitive world are always arising. Here are the latest ways you can use technology to build your brand online.

Internet Radio. Radio show guests are automatically considered experts, but the internet has opened up these positions to just about everyone. Internet radio hosts are constantly looking for new people to interview and to feature as guests on their shows. Not only does this get your message and your brand into the public eye for no cost whatsoever, it allows you to gain reputation as an expert in your field.

Blog Comments. Most business owners are aware of the impact that a blog can have, but many don’t realize that a blog cannot function as an island. The most popular blogs became so by interacting with other bloggers. However, this doesn’t have to be a full time job in and of itself; a little can go a long way if you carefully choose blogs with a large following that includes your target audience. You should occasionally search for blogs that are relevant to your business and leave a thoughtful comment with a link to your own blog.

Link Exchanges. In the past, most business owners have steered away from link exchanges because they can be very ineffective. However, under right conditions, a link exchange can bring relevant traffic to your website. The key is to trade links not through a link exchange, but with a few websites that are in similar (but not identical) fields to yours. For best results, choose carefully: choose websites with brands that are complimentary to yours, and don’t ever put a direct competitor’s link.

Ezines. Even if you don’t have your own ezine, there are ways to use this powerful form of web media to bring in relevant business and build your company brand. First, find an ezine with a subject that is relevant to your target audience. Second, contact the owner and offer a link on your website in exchange for a small ad in their ezine. Some will say no, preferring to stay with paid advertising only, but if you approach several, at least one will agree. This will give you free ongoing advertising and allow you to build your brand with no money outlay at all.

Groups and Message Boards. Run by internet giants such as Yahoo and Google, these tend to have huge readerships. Because you can choose the topic, you will easily be able to find a few that are relevant to your business. Join them and make a few thoughtful posts that are not directly advertising. However, place your website address and if allowed, a tagline in your signature. This type of subtle, non-pushy advertising will win trust and build your brand.

The internet is always opening up new opportunities for advertisers. Don’t let these slip past you; take advantage of every opportunity to build your brand.