by Doreen Martel

Created on: February 02, 2009

You have made the big decision to start your own business. Now you are faced with the reality of what it is going to cost! You are looking for simple, effective ways to save money while running a startup business. Here are my favorite ways to save money running a startup.

1. Outsource - if you need additional help instead of hiring 3 or 4 people, consider outsourcing. In some cases, you can find outsource help for all of your needs. Typically, outsourcing is a great solution for you to save money on benefits, office space and taxes. Websites such as Rentacoder, Elance and oDesk all provide opportunities to meet your labor needs.

2. Online tools - instead of investing heavy amounts of money on new software for your startup, you can save money by taking the time to learn about free online tools for your business. Whether you need word processing or contact management tools, you can find them available on line free of charge. Zoho provides an all around business management tool system while Google provides a suite similar to Microsoft Office.

3. Free EMail - in today's business world, we all need email accounts to keep in touch with business contacts. Whether you elect to use Yahoo! mail or Google's GMail, you can get free email that will allow you to keep in contact with your clients. Both allow you the flexibility you need at not additional cost!

4. No Cost Web Hosting - since most start up businesses are in need of an internet presence, you want to know how to save money marketing yourself on the internet. You can purchase your domain name and set up a free webhosting account at Doteasy. In addition to free webhosting, Doteasy also provides a simple to use website set up software with many tools.

5. Free Blogging - what better way to promote your business and keep in touch with clients! Since weblogs have become more and more popular, there are many free blogging sites including WordPress and Blogger.

6. Postage - instead of sending out regular newsletters or other marketing materials you can create them online and send them out to all of your contacts. Using tools such as Yahoo! Groups allows you to send a number of emails at one time without everyone on your list having access to the other names on your list.

Summary

There area number of ways to save money when you are running a start up. Be resourceful and you will be able to save money from the day you start your business.

Learn more about this author, Doreen Martel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.