Do you feel like you have a great business idea or new business, but are struggling to get people to take notice of you. This is a very common problem and can become very disheartening for any entrepreneur. It's the vicious circle of not being known leading to few sales and no one willing to take a chance, but without selling your product or service your business won't gain a name for itself.

So, if you are strapped for cash but want to give your idea a chance have a think about some free marketing ideas.

Of course there's social networking. Get your business onto sites like Facebook and Twitter and start talking about it, offering deals, giving advice, posting images and testimonials. Don't expect a fast take off, but bit by bit you'll see your numbers grow. A lot of it will be by word of mouth as customers pass on recommendations.

There's been a lot of talk about crowdfunding and in particular the website, Crowdcube, which is the world's first equity-based crowdfunding community dedicated to business investment. A second business has now successfully raised capital using this website.

Personal Development Bureau, which helps unemployed ex-forces personnel into work, has gained £25,000 through 68 investors who contributed between £10 and £3,300. In return the company gave away 15% equity. It's hoped the funds will help the Personal Development Bureau help thousands of people find employment.