Local Resources for Free or Low Cost Advertising

When it comes to job postings and event promotions, advertisements in papers, on radio, job sites, and via mini-boards are a good way to promote your business, especially if you include your business statement. However, not all businesses can afford the cost of advertising.

Free is Better!

Fortunately, there are many free or low-cost alternatives available for small businesses and organizations on a tight budget.

These are phenomenal resources for getting information to your community. They are ideal for posting job openings and notices for upcoming events your company or organization may be hosting for the public, such as fundraisers, workshops or seminars, and community awards. It may be tedious to copy/paste your information into each online submission form or email, but you can’t beat free advertising.

If your business is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, contact them to see if they will post your job notice on their website and/or include it in their next newsletter. They are also generally accommodating about about sharing member event notices and press releases.

Note: Non-profits are often able to get a discounted membership to their local chambers.

Businesses that are active in their community have more success in finding valuable community partners and quality job candidates. By having at least one representative present at workshops, seminars and job fairs, you increase your exposure to both professionals and job seekers. This will help you create public awareness of your company, expand your network and reach prospective employees.

Almost all of these offices have a job board where they display job postings for their clients. They also often run job seeking and employment-related workshops and training which are ideal for getting your posting to active job seekers.

Employment Service Agencies

Employment agencies can save you valuable time by weeding through their clients to find you the most suitable ones for your needs. There are also local agencies who specialize in clients with disabilities. They can connect you with highly qualified individuals who are often overlooked. If you don’t know how to locate an agency that works with clients who have disabilities, ask an employment agent for contact information.

Whether returning to the job market after a long absence or is upgrading their skills to be better qualified for employment, the right candidate is someone who is always bettering themselves and willing to learn new things.

Depending on the needs of your company, these are excellent resources for seasonal or part-time employees, as well as co-operative education students and apprentices. For non-profit organizations, partnership with your local school boards is an asset beyond measure when it comes to accessing new volunteers. Plus, any organization that is geared toward youth will have immediate access to youth and their parents.

If you happen to have a local labour board, they may be able to post your job or event notice on their website, in a newsletter or simply forward it to community partners.

Businesses and organizations are always getting resumes that aren’t a good fit for their company, but they may be perfect for yours. Sometimes companies partner up to share resumes with each other when they have some that don’t fit their business vision.

Charities are a great place to find go-getters and dedicated individuals. Some of the volunteers are looking to enhance their resumes and network in hopes of finding employment. Non-profits are inundated with resumes that, because of limited funding, they cannot pursue. This can be a great boon to your company if the organization is willing to share their surplus of resumes with you.

By teaming up with other businesses and non-profits, you can also co-host events and cross-promote to lessen costs.