Starting a home based business is exciting and it can be very rewarding. It can also be very frustrating. Once you have developed your product or service and set the business up, it can be difficult to know how to make contact with customers. This is especially difficult without the money that major corporations can spend on television and billboard advertising. There are a number of things you can do to promote your home business, however, that won't break the bank. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Network
Networking is extremely important as you develop your fledgling business. Every time you meet a new person, you have an opportunity to develop a client. This doesn't mean you should constantly talk business at every social event, but it does mean being prepared. So make sure you are receptive to any potential opening and carry your business cards at all times. Don't try making business cards yourself. Professional quality business card printing is not very expensive and it may be a cliché but it is certainly true that you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Website
These days consumers expect to be able to check out your business on the internet, so having your own website is very important. It doesn't have to be flashy but it does need to be well designed and functional. Keep it simple and of high quality and it will probably end up being one of your most important business tools. Depending on the nature of you operation, you may well also use your website for transactions as well, so it is likely to become a central part of your business.
Social networking
Conventional advertising, such as television and billboards, is expensive and consequently it is out of reach as far as most home businesses are concerned. Fortunately though there is a new kid on the block. In recent years social networking tools, such as facebook, youtube and twitter have been used as marketing tools with increasingly great affect. This is ideal for the home business owner as it can provide great exposure for minimal cost. So, if you're not already social networking, it's time to start.
Branding
Branding is just as important for the home business owner as it is for multinational corporations. Having a consistent brand across your products demonstrates that you are a serious and cohesive business. Use your brand on your website, as well as all advertising, stationary and business cards. You can also create giveaway items such as pens, calendars and mouse mats. Make sure these include your logo and branding. The more people see it the more likely they are to turn to you automatically when they need the service that you provide.
Printed materials
With the advent of e-technology it can be easy to lose sight of the value of traditional print technologies. The truth is that the two work best hand in hand with each other. E-technologies allow for quick and easy distribution, but in the end people are still more likely to read and take notice of something that is printed on card or paper. So don't ignore flyer or booklet printing when drawing up your marketing budget. Flyers, brochures and booklets are a simple but effective way to get your message across.
By Bob R Stevenson
Read more articles at Personal Business Advisors
http://www.personalbusinessadvisors.com/business
Network
Networking is extremely important as you develop your fledgling business. Every time you meet a new person, you have an opportunity to develop a client. This doesn't mean you should constantly talk business at every social event, but it does mean being prepared. So make sure you are receptive to any potential opening and carry your business cards at all times. Don't try making business cards yourself. Professional quality business card printing is not very expensive and it may be a cliché but it is certainly true that you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Website
These days consumers expect to be able to check out your business on the internet, so having your own website is very important. It doesn't have to be flashy but it does need to be well designed and functional. Keep it simple and of high quality and it will probably end up being one of your most important business tools. Depending on the nature of you operation, you may well also use your website for transactions as well, so it is likely to become a central part of your business.
Social networking
Conventional advertising, such as television and billboards, is expensive and consequently it is out of reach as far as most home businesses are concerned. Fortunately though there is a new kid on the block. In recent years social networking tools, such as facebook, youtube and twitter have been used as marketing tools with increasingly great affect. This is ideal for the home business owner as it can provide great exposure for minimal cost. So, if you're not already social networking, it's time to start.
Branding
Branding is just as important for the home business owner as it is for multinational corporations. Having a consistent brand across your products demonstrates that you are a serious and cohesive business. Use your brand on your website, as well as all advertising, stationary and business cards. You can also create giveaway items such as pens, calendars and mouse mats. Make sure these include your logo and branding. The more people see it the more likely they are to turn to you automatically when they need the service that you provide.
Printed materials
With the advent of e-technology it can be easy to lose sight of the value of traditional print technologies. The truth is that the two work best hand in hand with each other. E-technologies allow for quick and easy distribution, but in the end people are still more likely to read and take notice of something that is printed on card or paper. So don't ignore flyer or booklet printing when drawing up your marketing budget. Flyers, brochures and booklets are a simple but effective way to get your message across.
By Bob R Stevenson
Read more articles at Personal Business Advisors
http://www.personalbusinessadvisors.com/business
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