Need to get the word out about your business, but don’t have a big marketing budget?

The San Juan County Economic Development Council is here to help.

In partnership with Skagit Valley College, the Development Council will host a workshop on how to market your goods and services. The workshop, entitled Shoestring Marketing, is Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Skagit Valley College’s community room.

The workshop offers tips for small business owners looking to improve their marketing efforts at little additional cost. The course will be co-taught by Peggy Long, owner of Naknek Charters & Diving and president of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, and Victoria Compton, director of the Economic Development Council and longtime marketing consultant.

The workshop covers a variety of low-cost and effective marketing tools, such as direct mail, e-marketing, networking, public relations and the so-called, “cold calling”. Techniques to stimulate a “buzz” about products and services and how to leverage various channels (from social media to logos) to create a strong identity will be highlighted as well.

Participants will leave the workshop with the resources they will need to create a robust marketing plan.

Cost is $15 to cover materials; advanced registration is recommended, contact info@sanjuansedc.org, or call 378-2906.