Try viral marketing! Creating a buzz with unconventional tactics is the goal of most small start-up companies. Social media is an integral part in your marketing plan as well - more than half of the people in the world use some form of social media, so you can't afford to ignore it.

Most small businesses operate on a shoestring budget at first, but if you are creative enough you can come up with some fun and effective ideas to promote and market without spending a dime, or at least just a few dimes. Here are a few ways you can create buzz for your small business:

• Get creative with social media - hold giveaways, share behind-the-scenes video, or host a Q&A hour on Instagram Live or Facebook Live.
• Hold real, friendly discussions with others in your industry online - focus on making connections and helping those with questions.
• Investigate influencer marketing to offer promotions, raise brand awareness, and create unique content.
• Partner with related, complimentary businesses to cross-promote or offer bundled packages.
• Start a blog for your business - don't sell or you'll turn people off. Instead, focus on sharing stories, resources, and news.
• If applicable, write a guest post on an industry blog, or appear as an expert guest on an industry podcast.
• Do a funny viral video about your product, service or company and post it.
• Hold an event, contest, or new product launch and tell the press about it.
• Hand out flyers at a mall, movie theatre or other large gathering spot close to your location.

Those are a few ideas to get you started. Do a search for viral marketing and see what you come up with.