Hi everyone! *warning: I am a noob* I want to promote my business, what are the steps

[amlMotv8d]

I would like to somehow create as much noise as possible, and though I have not launched my business, I would like to start creating content offline.

I have a service business that, let's say, makes custom t-shirts.

I figure I need to get known. I am thinking myspace and facebook are ways to advertise.

What are some other methods you would recommend, as well as some ways to produce the content/sites?

Though as a noob, my ideas are probably faulty at best, I was thinking of running the main .com site and the a corresponding blog and a facebook and myspace page. The latter 2 should look slick and will allow me to talk to potential customers. I think all of them should be connected to each other somehow?

How far off base am I?

I hope everyone had a great weekend!
-aml

 

[CShoemaker]

do PPC and organic if you have money and time.

 

[Chatwin]

When I had my web design company I had a lot of work for presenting the offline companies through a web site.

It was just their digital business card.

Introduction, explanation of services/products and detailed contact information and contact form.

Sometimes even support through a forum like vbulletin.

Most companies have a site so they can promote their business on the internet too.
But the updates are slower, a lot slower.

 

[Tedel]

Don't start with Internet marketing for such a service. Start with small marketing instead.
Check this: Ridiculous things that make you lose money

 

[-Matt-]

Homeless People Advertising - Marketing with a Bumvertising Campaign

Give bums free T-Shirts with your logo / info on them.

 

[MyOwnDemon]

If you're doing tshirts (not sure if that was just an example), I'd say hire some smoking hot girls to wear the shirts around town, at bars, at clubs, at restaurants, etc. Get your brand out there. Maybe even go to local clubs, talk to the owners, and see if you can give the shirts away as promos or something.