I would like to give you 9 tips on the subject. There might be more, but I find these to be the most effective ones. They are suitable for any type of home based business, and they will certainly draw customers to you.
1. Local Papers
The best way to start advertising is in your local paper. It is also the cheapest way, and it will bring the people you may already know, to your services – your neighbors.
If you’re already liked by your neighbors, they will probably be more willing to try your services if they need them, in comparison to people who don’t know you.
Call your local paper and ask what you need to market your business.
2. Business Cards, Leaflets and Samples
You absolutely have to have business cards if you own a business. No matter what your business may be, having business cards shows a certain level of professionalism people usually look for.
If you’re running a business like a bakery, making cakes or cosmetics, spend a day, to give samples to people who are passing by.
Have business cards or leaflets with the information about your company prepared, and give them together with the samples. Samples are a great way to get your business going.
3. Set up a Website
If you still don’t have a website for your business, set up one today. Either hire someone, or make it yourself if you know how.
Remember, it has to look professional, to have clear information about your business, and preferably to have prices of your products, or services.
The main reason for this is that people usually like to see the price immediately. If your website doesn’t have prices, most visitors will simply move on to the next website which is offering same services. Only a small percentage of people are willing to call, or email for prices.
4. Social Networks Profile
Another great way to advertise over the internet is to set up a profile on a social network. No matter if you choose Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, or even all three of them, same rules are to be followed.
Your page should have clear information about your business, and link to your website.
It is good to post pictures, and you absolutely have to keep that page alive. You can’t just make it and forget about it – post news at least once every couple of days, even if there is no special news to post.
Share older photos again or write anything that crosses your mind. The point is that it appears in people’s news feed so that they don’t forget about you.
5. Internet Ads and Pay Per Click
Still dealing with the subject of advertising on the internet – try ads and pay per click options. See if you can pay for some other site to have an ad for your company, and research pay per click options. No matter what your business is, this is a good way to market it. AdWords helps you advertise on Google’s search and its network of smaller search engine, and Microsoft adCenter gets you on Bing and Yahoo!
6. Friends and Family
Of course you will tell your friends and family that you’ve started your own business. Don’t forget to tell them to spread the word, and possibly recommend you to their friends. This is probably not a very fast spreading circle, but it usually brings you your first clients.
7. Talk to People
I know it sounds a bit invasive, but if you can have a chance to tell someone you’ve just met that you run a business – do so. Talk to people who are sitting at the same table with you on a wedding, for example.
Have business cards prepared, but don’t be pushy – if someone says they’re not interested – let it go. If your product or service is good, people will talk about it. Word of mouth is the best advertising because your happy customers do all the selling for you. It’s worth learning about it.
8. Connect with Others
It is always a good idea to know your competition. So, connect with other people who are running the same business as you are.
You can always learn a thing or two, from someone who’s already in the business, and you can maybe even find new important contacts. Attend seminars, if there are any, and maybe even join a couple of groups. You can’t lose – you can only gain something. Your business is to know as much as possible about your business.
9. Don’t Say You’re Running a Home Based Business
Even though most of small businesses in the U.S.A. are home based, people are still a bit suspicious about home based businesses.
So, if you’re marketing your business, it might not be the best idea to say that it’s a home based business right away.
Of course, you won’t be able to keep it a secret forever – but give people a chance to check your business before they decide they’re not even interested just because it is home based.
So, these are the tips I have for you. How do you market your home business? Don’t be shy. Share your ideas with us in the comment section below.
Add Comment