No matter what kind of business you’re in, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to make sure you’re seen. Preferably by the right people, but as long as you get some sort of exposure, you’re better off than you were before.

This tends to cost quite a bit of money, though, as advertising usually does - but there are ways to lower the costs while boosting business exposure.

Here is a handful of ways to market your business when times are tough. You might have to pay up a bit now, but your business will be in a much healthier financial state a few months from now.

First: Never underestimate social media

One of the cheapest ways to market your business and expand your network is through social media. Sure, gathering intel and data may cost a bit - but scribbling down a few well-written posts or making a quick video costs absolutely nothing.

To get the most out of it, make sure that you have someone on your team who knows how to do this well or take a crash course in social media marketing. There are ways to write a post and engage with the users that will be more successful than others - and there are people who are better with and in front of the camera than others.

Next: Get professional help

While you can get ahold of a social media expert for the tip above, this isn’t the kind of professional help we’re talking about. A marketing expert may cost a bit, but it will help you out tremendously, in the long run. You can try to find a company that’s exclusive for your industry, such as grain brokers for the agriculture sector - or a company that focuses solely on marketing beauty products.

Some of them are a bit more comprehensive than others as well and may be able to help you out in more ways than one. Make sure that you have a good look around the web, first of all, before you make a decision.

Treat your employees right

Another way to make your business look good that’s completely free is to make sure that your employees are taken proper care of. They talk about your business, you know, and can either make you look like a terrible boss or like someone anyone would love to work for.

Go out of your way to make them feel appreciated, and take some time to encourage learning on the job as well. If they should decide to jump ships, they’re more likely to praise their previous workplace to others - and you’re more likely to attract bright heads who want to work in this kind of environment.

It’s a form of word-of-mouth you simply can’t beat as it comes from within the business.