Home business owners need to market their business everyday. They need to be getting the word out about what they sell or what service they offer so that new customers are aware of their home business. New customers are the lifeblood of the home business. How new customers find out about your home business is what is called marketing. Home business owners can market their business in many ways. Marketing does not have to be expensive. To be successful, you do have to actively market everyday. Marketing can consist of word of mouth, print advertising, media advertising – t.v., radio, internet.
Word Of Mouth
Spread the word about your home business with every opportunity encounter. When you see people and something is said or done that neatly leads to the subject of your business, take the opportunity to mention your business. Always have a stack of business cards on your person to hand out. Just a quick comment and a card is all that is necessary for this first contact.
Ask family and friends to mention in conversation that they know of your business. The more people who know what you do, the more people will talk about your business. One way to spread the word, is to join local groups, or to volunteer in the community. As you work alongside others they will become interested in who you are and what you do. There will be many opportunities to talk about your business.
Testimonials of satisfied customers are an excellent way to get the word out about your business. People talk about their consumer experiences. When they have a good buying experience they will tell others about you. You can encourage this word of mouth testimonial by giving customer referral rewards like bonus gifts, or discounts on future purchases based on referrals they bring to your business.
Festivals and city fairs sometimes offer vendor booths for a fee. These opportunities are great for talking to participants about what products and services you have to offer. Having a drawing for a free prize will bring crowds to your booth.
Print Advertising
A home business can be advertised using print methods like newspaper ads, business cards, flyers, and billboards. Using a home printer can do some inexpensive print advertisement. Many software programs include templates for flyers, even business cards can be printed inexpensively on your home printer. Use your home business name and contact information on your correspondence, like letterhead, email signature, or by leaving a business card inside the envelope when making a payment. Many local shops have bulletin boards that allow flyers to be posted, just ask management for permission first. Don’t forget press releases, these are wonderful ways to get the word out about your business.
Write a how-to pamphlet on something to do with your business or service. This pamphlet should be on a topic that will be of benefit to the community. Distribute the pamphlets to organizations or libraries so that they can be available to the members of the community. Make sure you have your business name and contact information on the pamphlet. Ezines (online magazines) are wonderful ways to get the word out about your business. These ezines will take articles on various subjects and the authors attach several lines at the bottom of the article telling the readers a little about the author. You can write on any topic that you have knowledge about. A little research in ezine directories will reveal ezines that will have interest in the articles you write. The owners of the ezines will indicate policy regarding acceptance of articles.
Some communities have coupon books or ad booklets that are used to advertise local businesses. This is a good opportunity to advertise at usually low rates. Giving a discount or coupon draws people to your business who may not otherwise visit.
Be aware that with print, on average it can take several exposures before a customer will take the offer. You may find yourself repeating your print offer several times before you realize a good response. Be patient when using this method of marketing.
Media Advertising
Using television, radio and other forms of media to advertise your home business can be expensive. This form of marketing does reach larger audiences, so if you have the money to spend, it may be worth it in the volume of new customers this type of marketing can bring you. Sometimes you may find a small radio station that will barter with you by allowing you to have airtime in exchange for giving away a product or service to a listener in a contest.
Use all three marketing methods to achieve maximum customer potential. All three methods have benefits and drawbacks. Know what your budget will allow you to do and take full advantage of free or low-cost opportunities. The key to marketing your home business successfully is to actively market your business on a daily basis. Customers will not come unless they know you exist. Good, consistent marketing is crucial to the growth of your business.
Reference:
- Paperback Book: Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof by James Stephenson
