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Marketing and advertising a home business takes a lot of time, COMMITMENT, and work. Those who say all you need to do is put up a shingle and watch the cash come in couldn't be further from the truth! We need to do as many things and try as many ways as we can to get our name out there and ESTABLISH our business and reputation. This takes imagination, and perseverance. Below are affordable and fairly easy ways you can build your home business.
WORD OF MOUTH
Talk to as many people as you can about your business. Bring it into the CONVERSATION at every opportunity. By doing this, you could be starting a domino effect, where some of the people you talk to mention it to others and so on and so on -- bringing you an endless source of ongoing referrals. This can be the most powerful marketing tool you have at your disposal, but your business has to become a part of you and your DAILY life for this to happen.
BUSINESS CARDS
When you are talking to people about your company, be sure and give them a business card. Business cards are an important way for people to REMEMBER you and your company, and do not cost a fortune. And be creative with your cards. Take advantage of the backs of the business cards as well for sales, specials, catchy messages -- anything to help make you and your business more MEMORABLE. Business cards can be left almost anywhere and can also be sent in all your mail correspondence.
PRIZES
Contact your local radio stations, stores, etc. that have CONTESTS. There are many places online that have sweepstakes and contests as well. Offer your products or services as prizes in these contests. This is a great way of getting a lot of affordable EXPOSURE.
TESTIMONIALS
Take advantage of what others SAY about you. Have a testimonial on your business card, some on your flyers, etc. -- use them whenever you can. Most people will put a lot of stock in what other customers say, and testimonials can do wonders to develop a solid REPUTATION for your company.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
For a lot of businesses these days, customer service seems to be a lost art. You need to go the EXTRA mile for your customers and make them feel special and APPRECIATED. Remember that how you treat existing customers can be a strong marketing tool for attracting new customers. Happy customers will give glowing reports of you to their friends and family, bringing you new business for little or no marketing cost.
FLYERS
Design and print flyers right from your computer. Post them on bulletin boards at grocery stores, churches, malls, post offices, banks, etc. Use brightly colored paper to get people's ATTENTION. Make the message interesting enough so they will want to contact you for more information or to take advantage of your special offer.
ARTICLES
Writing and submitting articles to publications can be a very powerful method of advertising as it not only interests people in your business, it builds your reputation as an EXPERT -- someone who knows what they are talking about and that they can TRUST. I believe just about anyone can sit down and write information on things they know. You do not have to be a writer nor a college graduate to write effective articles. After you have written your first article, start submitting to any publications that reach your potential customers. The worst they can do is say no, but you will find many are happy to consider free content.
NETWORKING
Networking is when you come in contact with as many people you can to learn, share, promote, and form RELATIONSHIPS with prospective customers and associates. An easy way to network is to join local business groups and participate in their events in your area. Get to know others, learn from them, let them learn from you and get to know you. This is an excellent way of building a strong foundation for your business. Networking can also bring you a lot of REFERRALS from your associates.
MAILING LISTS
Make sure you capture your contacts' emails and mailing addresses, if possible -- and this could mean both current and potential customers, as well as networking colleagues. Start a mailing list or NEWSLETTER keeping people up to date on your products, services, specials, etc. You might also want to give them some useful information or tips in your newsletter -- the more VALUE you can build, the more likely people are to pay attention to your mailings.
MOVING BILLBOARD
It's easy to turn your CAR into a moving billboard. Put a MAGNETIC sign or decal on your car so you can advertise your business wherever you go. Be sure and have catalogs and business cards handy for anyone who is interested.
GOOD LUCK
I hope some of these ideas help you get started with an EFFECTIVE advertising campaign. They have helped me tremendously!
Terri Seymour and her husband Terry offer a no-cost, non-MLM home business opportunity. They also strive to help you build a successful business. Take advantage of the gifts, resources and more provided for your home and business at www.seymourproducts.com or sign up for their free e-course at . Want to receive these kind of articles via e-mail each month? Sign up for a free subscription. Click here to return to "Organized For A Living" -- July 2005... Add this page to your Bookmarks!
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