Marketing is an integral aspect of any small business success. As a direct sales consultant, marketing your business and website helps you achieve your sales goals. The more people who are aware of your business and products, the more success you’ll have. Here are ten great marketing ideas to help you get started.

#1 Offer a free newsletter – On your website or off you can offer a newsletter. You can email it or print and mail it. Email is a better option generally. It’s inexpensive and can lead to immediate click-through sales. In your newsletter, provide information that helps your recipients. Include promotions or special offers and link to your website.

#2 Advertise – Online or off you there are a number of advertising options available. You can take advantage of classified ads, online banner ads, text ads and pay-per-click (PPC) ads.

#3 Social networking – Social networking has become a really effective marketing tool. You can use it to drive traffic to your website. Announce special promotions or invite people to attend online or offline parties.

#4 Publish – You can write and publish articles for your local paper, online newsletter or article directories. If you’re publishing on line, make sure to include a clickable link to your website. If you’re publishing offline, make sure to include contact information including your website address. What do you write about? Anything that’s relevant to your industry. For example, if you sell outdoor gear then write articles about outdoor fitness or survival.

#5 Printing – Make flyers, brochures and business cards and post them around town. Post them in coffee shops. Ask physicians, dentists and other service providers if you can leave them for their clients. Post them on community boards and in places of worship.

#6 Partnering – Partner with other direct sales consultants and promote each other. You can even have double parties.

#7 Charity – Participate or host charity drives or fundraisers. Donate a portion of your profits to charity.

#8 Swag – Use your own products and use them blatantly. Don’t hesitate to share the swag. Help your customers promote you by offering them conversation pieces. For example, a nice tote bag with your business name on it can help spread the word. Also the happier your customers are, the more likely they will be to spread the word.

#9 Referrals – Consider offering customers rewards for referring new customers. Maybe they receive a free product or credit on their next purchase. Additionally, offer incentives for referring a party host.

#10 Networking – Don’t forget the value of your local small business association, chamber of commerce and other networking groups. These groups are great for making connections and learning better ways of doing business.

When it comes to marketing your direct sales business, use your imagination. Take advantage of your resources too. These ten ideas are just the beginning.