Six Ways to Market a Home Business
Promote a Small Business on a Budget
It can be a challenge to get publicity for a small business. Try a few of these tips for marketing a home business on a tight budget.
For most small business owners, the marketing budget is very limited, if it exists at all. However, a business can't succeed if no one knows that it is there. Try one of these inexpensive ideas for marketing a small business that is just starting out.
Reward Referrals
If a client takes the time to tell someone else about a new business and that person becomes a client, too, he or she has done some very valuable free advertising for the business. Keep the momentum rolling by offering that first referrer a reward. It can be as simple as a thank you note that includes a coupon for a few dollars off the next visit or a candy bar. For multiple referrals by the same person, consider a slightly more costly thank you gift.
Wear a Uniform
People have to buy new clothes on a regular basis, so why not make the next purchase one that promotes the new business venture? Collared shirts with a company logo on them look professional and can make quite a few people aware of the business. Wear uniforms on the job, but also put on a fresh uniform shirt for shopping trips or when attending regional events.
Turn a Car into a Marketing Tool
Magnetic car signs and back windshield decals make it simple to turn any vehicle into a marketing tool. Some businesses types have good success with this method. Pet sitters, plumbers and other service oriented new small businesses will probably get more return on their initial investment in signage than boutique shops or art studios.
Business Cards Work
Any savvy small business owner knows that being prepared for any opportunity to promote the company or service he or she offers makes sense. Business cards mean that a chance to acquire a new client isn't lost because the potential client doesn't get the phone number of the business. Some people feel that business cards are obsolete because of all of the new technology available. However, not everyone carries around a PDA or other electronic gadget at all times.
Volunteer
While it doesn't cost actual cash, volunteering is not truly free. That time spent in a classroom or community meeting is time that is not spent on the new business. Make sure any volunteer efforts reach the right audience.
Create a Small Business Website
While building a site is no longer enough to guarantee visitors, a website is one of the most essential ways a small business can promote a business cheaply and effectively. Surprisingly enough, many small businesses still do not have a web presence. Even if it simply lists business hours, gives a location and has contact information, every small business should have a site. In today's high tech world, many people go online to find out about new businesses instead of calling information. They get frustrated when they can't find the business they are looking for.
