Affordable ways to promote a software (SaaS) product (how much, live)

[vauser]

Hey folks,
What are some ways to advertise (or promote) a software product if you are a real small bootstrap funded startup? I called the public libraries and they said it is alright to post a flyer on their notice boards but given how small we are and how much needs done (and how little money we have!), it isn’t feasible for me to go to the libraries one by one (also, the need is to reach a broader community across the nation). I am trying to find out other affordable options (besides Facebook) to promote the product to generate brand awareness.

If you’ve had to do something like this in the past, and can suggest a few options, it would be much appreciated. Thanks much.

[Old Guard]

There used to be live meetup groups in the area. Northern Virginia Linux Users NOVALUG for instance. This would be a good place to network and socialize. Other technologies also had their own groups. This would be a place to start. Group


Also online forums, such as this, and those relating in some way to your app.

[vauser]

Thanks Old Guard. While this is a software tool, the target market is just about everyone (not just folks who work in technology). So, I am looking to reach out to the broader market.

While I don’t exactly know, my guess is forums such as these wouldn’t allow advertising via threads. Perhaps there is a way to formalize pay for advertisements on these forums? If so (and if it is affordable), that would be perfect.

[Vernum]

Use social media, ask your friends that have followers to spread the word on their Instagram, etc., accounts. Record "how to" lessons concerning your software on YouTube. These ideas just come to mind, good luck.