Home business marketing can be done in an affordable and effective way using the right resources. Money is tight when you start your own business. Make potential customers aware of your service or product using these 11 inexpensive marketing strategies.
Set up a website
Set up your own website using a company that provides the resources and tools that make it easy to create a basic website for your business. Google Sites allows you to build a basic website for free using its pre-built templates. Yola provides practical tools to make your own website. Create a site using the templates provided at Yahoo! and pay a low monthly subscription for their web hosting service.
Create a free listing for your business
List your business on major search engine local directories. Google states that 97% of consumers search for local businesses online. Online local directories include Yahoo!Local, Google Places, Bing Business Portal, Citysearch and Local.com.
Create a business page or profile on social network sites
Establish a presence for your business on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn. Join groups that are relevant to your products or services. Get involved in relevant forums and discussions. Connect with potential customers.
Advertise in local publications
It is inexpensive to buy a small ad in a local church newsletter or community paper. Many community newspapers have a service or business directory that people use to find local services such as lawn care, cleaning and handyman services.
Create your own business card
A business card is an essential home business marketing and advertising tool. You can make your own business cards at home using your computer. Make the best use of your business card by distributing it to as many potential customers as possible. Never leave home without a couple of business cards.
Create your own flyer
This is an affordable and effective way to reach a wide audience. A well designed flyer will grab the reader's attention and interest. Make sure you distribute your flyers efficiently by locating your target market accurately.
Create a door hanger
Design and print door hangers to market your home business. You can directly target your customers with your promotional door hangers. An economical way to make door hangers is to create your own design using the templates available online and then use an online printing company to print and ship them to you.
Join professional groups
Join local business and professional groups relevant to your home business. Attend meetings and use the opportunity to network for business. Exchange business cards. You can start with your local Chamber of Commerce and then find organizations that support your particular type of business.
Give demonstrations of your product or service
Offer to provide demonstrations at community and charity events. If appropriate distribute free samples with your business card. Contact your public library or local school to see if they would be interested in a demonstration. This works particularly well for handmade arts and crafts.
Make use of your vehicle
Have your business name and contact details professionally painted on your vehicle. Magnetic signs are an inexpensive way to advertise your business on your vehicle. Don't forget to use the back of your vehicle. Print bumper stickers to place on rear windows or truck tailgates. Print T-shirts with your business name and logo. Hand them out to family and friends. They can be a walking advertisement for your business!
Article Marketing
This is a good way to get free publicity for your business. Write a well researched article that relates to your business, products or service. Include a link to your website and drive traffic there.
For more help with home business marketing including easy guides to creating your own promotional material go to Home Business Advertising
Julia Derby's website My Home Business Ideas offers a free and practical guide to starting a home based business from finding the right home business idea to planning, setting up and marketing your own home based business. An information-packed site that will set you on the path to success with your own small business. From money making crafts to work from home computer businesses to a number of exciting home business income opportunities now available.
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