Perhaps the most effective free advertising method is social networking. Yes it is time consuming but you do get to know people and have them get to know you which is the whole reason for it’s effectiveness.
It is a minefield and there are certain rules of etiquette to be followed as in any other form of communication but basically if your follow the attraction marketing principles of giving (information and support), and avoid spamming (simply throwing ads and links out there) you will be off to a great start 
Other popular methods include micro blogging sites such as Twitter, MyLikes & Sokule. These sites give you the option to post short messages and communicate with your followers via direct messaging, answering their posts in public or simply re-posting their messages. This can be great fun and very productive and addictive, so be careful if you get into these sites
Some of the old staples still include credit based safelists and traffic or text ad exchanges. I use several traffic exchanges regularly and about 7 credit based safelists which generate some good returns for me. These forms of free advertising are great for giving away free information and advertising. They work well as list builders whereby you can then begin to build relationships with the people who want to develop their own internet marketing skills and business.
All free methods are time consuming so as soon as you can afford to invest a little in pro memberships and buying credits in the sites you find most effective, this brings great benefit in terms of freeing you up to do more social networking and micro blogging.
A great way to manage your credit based safelists even while you are a free member, is to sign up for a free membership at Viral Mail Profits which enables you to set up templates for 7 of your favourite safelists and they will even send you reminder emails when you are next due to mail, (how often have you missed a mailing because you are busy and didn’t remember to write it in your diary or to do list?), it is possible to manage more lists and gain even more benefits if you choose a paid membership, the free one is a great way to trial the system though and works very well in it’s own right so you don’t need to feel hard done by if you can’t afford the investment, or are simply unwilling to take the plunge, right now.
Tags: Free Advertising, micro blogging, safelists, social media