While there are numerous paid newspaper advertising options to choose from, there are still a few free newspaper advertising options left, including free classified ads, calendar listings for events and publicity from a news story coverage. Each newspaper has its own rules as to what it allows to be advertised for free. For example, free newspaper advertising often comes in the form of classified ads, which may only be available for individuals who are trying to sell a piece of furniture or other personal item. The newspaper may not permit free classified ads for businesses that are trying to promote its products or services. Some newspapers do allow businesses to use the classifieds section as a free advertising option, so check with each paper prior to placing the ad.

Calendar listings are another type of free newspaper advertising. These listings are typically reserved for events that are taking place in the community or the area that the newspaper covers. While calendar listings typically do not cost any money, they also limit the amount of information that can be included. General information tends to include the name, date and time of the event. Many calendar listings also allow a short description as what type of an event or what type of festivities it includes and if there is any cost to attend the event.

The final form of free newspaper advertising is publicity. Obtaining publicity in a newspaper takes a little bit more work on the individual or company trying to get mentioned in the paper, but the newspaper coverage can benefit the company to an unlimited amount. Publicity is typically in the form of a news story that a journalist or writer covers that includes a particular company, service or product.

There are a couple of ways that a company, product or service can get a mention as a form of free newspaper advertising in a news story. One, is if the owner or one of the employees of the company is quoted in the news story on the industry or business that the company is involved. This typically happens because a writer or journalist contacts the individual for a quote on a story they are writing.

The other way to obtain free publicity is a more proactive approach. This requires the company to write and submit a newsworthy press release about the business, product or service. The company would then submit this to newspaper outlets in hope that one of the writers or journalists will turn the press release topic into a story in the newspaper.