What are some cheap and effect ways to advertise nationally?

[baconman]

So heres the rundown. I'm starting a travel site that sells unique vacation packages. What would be the best way to spread the word across the country. I plan to do a bit of article marketing as well as contact editors and the such. What other options would a business like this have?

[CdNB2B]

Gather all the emails of all your local tv stations, news papers and radio station. If your idea quite unique send them an email about the project your working on (professionally written) and make sure you include you contact info. You might get free media release this way.

Good luck

[shredder]

I find Facebook to be an invaluable tool. Depending on how you play it, you can either advertise within your budget or go guerilla style and do it for free.

Giveaways also generate a lot of interest. Can be used to get you publicity but also help you grow your presence on social media.

[squiremktg]

Building on what CdNB2B said, local media is a good start, but you should also gather up contact information for any magazines -- especially local and regional, since they tend to be more willing to work with start-ups -- that write about travel. Even some of our local regional magazines have one-page sections on "Quick getaways," etc. Send an e-mail to either an associate editor or whomever is bylined on the travel feature and introduce your website.

Same goes for bloggers who write about travel. Offer them to take off your service fee for any travel packages they personally book through your site as a way to try it out.

Marketing on the cheap can be just as effective as marketing with a big budget, but you're going to need to invest a lot more time than you would if you had tens of thousands to invest in a "traditional" marketing campaign.

[siryellow1]

Put together a series of 10 to 15 travel tips and post each as a video on youtube. Put your URL in the description.

[TelecommutingMom]

I would say that the most cost effective type of advertising is social media. Use Facebook and Twitter to get your brand out there and connect with your target audience.