Many businesses can't afford television commercials and radio slots during prime time, but that doesn't mean there aren't effective advertising options out there.

Here are five ways to advertise without breaking the bank:

1. Hands-on handouts: If you've got a printer or have a Kinko's nearby, you can design small hand-out advertisements/coupons with special deals that will grab a customer's eye. Print several to a page to maximize your output, and then slip them everywhere you can. If your business targets a specific area, you could even print a special deal on a door-hanger and go door to door.

2. Wear it out: One of the easiest ways to advertise is to wear your pride on your sleeve -- literally. You can make or order printed T-shirts with your logo and then wear them around town, and wear them often! If you have some extras, you could give them away at community events as prizes.

3. Stamp it on: Hand stamps can be an extremely effective and unexpected form of advertising. You can have a custom-designed rubber stamp made in the shape of your logo or business name, and then donate them (with ink) to a ticketed event like a high school football game or local fireman's festival where a hand-stamp is needed for readmission. The hand stamp creates a very personal association with your brand, and it's a fun way to associate your business with the community.

4. Deals on Wheels: While you may not have enough in your budget to buy a company car with expensive detailing, magnetic signs are an effective low-cost alternative. They won't damage your paint, they are easy to clean, and you can take them off or change them up whenever you choose.

5. Word of Mouth: Word of mouth is free, and it is the most successful kind of advertising, so get your customers talking! People trust recommendations from their loved ones more than any ad they see or hear. Ask your customers to spread the word, and give them reasons to gab.