what are some good ways of advertising a new business?

[Natasha]

I am starting up a new business and am looking for ways of advertising it to increase overall popularity and profit, I already have business cards, leaflets promoting the business and a website but am looking for more creative ways to advertise.

[Jake]

If you have a physical business address you can get into a number of free local business listings, these citations can improve the search ranking of your business web site and Google Places page, these local results in Google might be the easiest way for people to find you, try a Google search your or another common business like, Pastries, London. the A-G labeled stick pins are Places pages, once an owner verifies the ownership they can claim and refine these pages, which now are on Google+.
Creating a Facebook page for the business is worthwhile, paid internet advertising would probably not pay off, just be aware that many advertising networks offer geo targeting so you can only pay for ads seen by people within driving distance, Facebook ads offer remarkably detailed demographic targeting, if you only wanted to advertise to engaged women, between 18 and 25 who live within 5 miles of your city...Facebook self serve ads are cheaper if an ad leads to a business Facebook page.

[Ju W]

You haven't even told us what type of business it is, you are clueless about business and advertising, forget it, you will never succeed as you don't even know the basics.

[robert m]

Knowing where and when to reach potential customers is key, then having a process to take from leads (interest) to buyers. Just advertising in itself isn't going to do the trick.