Advertising a banner business is like advertising any other business Coffee.
Firstly, i would say to you....know your competitors! When i started up my banner business the very first thing i did was research on the internet who my biggest threats are.
Bannersmall IMO were my only real threat. They had and still have a clear advantage over the up and comers. They basically have a monopoly going on now. Ok...so you want to advertise your banner business?
Here is how i did mine.....
1. I went to google and typed in "link: bannersmall.com" i made a list in word of every single site linking to bannersmall, i placed an advert or made an affiliate of these websites. Important rule in advertising....don't place ads where people havent advertised before, place them where they have!
2. Don't waste money on impressions! I never did for banners2go.
3. Add your URL to your sig and post in various forums everyday (i spend about 3 hours posting crap on forums to boost traffic and get my websites noticed everyday).
4. Goto the portfolio on bannersmall, make a list of the companies they have designed banners for, notably the ones who ordered the most. Google their website and contact the owner with a special "deal" or freebie. If you get the order right....you may just have a client for life. I stole 3 of BM's clients this way and would have had them all if i wasn't so lazy.
5. Add yourself to ALL directories you come across (webhost-resources.info) etc. Get previous clients to rate your site, leave feedback etc. A paid sponsership on this site actually brings in abit of revenue!
6. Stop competing on price alone. Offer something different to compliment your service! Discount advertising on talkfreelance.com perhaps? A free 88x31 with every second banner etc.
Humm....im sure there are more ways/things i need. Thats all i have time for right now. Like i say.....advertise where your competitors are, offer something different/better than them. Never compete on price alone. A few $20 banner customers is better than 6 or so $10 ones.
Hope it helps....regards.