|
10 Ways to Publicize Your Home-Based Business
by Yvonne Buchanan
One disadvantage of working at home is that
it is hard to achieve visibility in the market. Learn the
10 ways to get the word out about your home-based business.
If you're a member of the pajama set, dutifully
plugging away at your job while wearing your raggedy bunny
slippers, you're not alone. The number of home-based businesses
is growing, partly due to advances in technology, and partly
due to a slow-down in the economy. (If no one will hire you,
you hire yourself.)
The advantages of a home-based business are
obvious: no commute time, you can set your own hours, increased
job satisfaction. One disadvantage is that it's hard to achieve
visibility in your market. (You don't have a storefront or
a marketing department; it's just you and your slippers.)
Following are 10 ways to get the visibility
you want for your home-based business:
Press releases. When you launch your business, gain
a new client, offer a new service, you're involved in newsworthy
events. Write a press release, and send it to your target
publications (those publications that your potential market
reads).
Board of advisors. Choose professionals in various
disciplines to act as your informal board of advisors. Compensate
in some way (either with monthly or quarterly lunches, free
services or products, etc.) In addition to being your sounding
board, these people can be great advocates for your business.
Web site. Your web site is an excellent place to announce
new products or services. If you don't have a web site, several
sites offer free or low-cost hosting of single web pages.
Newsletter. Consider creating an e-mail based or off-line
newsletter and mailing it to potential customers and current
customers. Make certain it contains worthwhile information
for your readers, not just marketing hype or you'll do more
harm than good.
Special Event. Consider hosting a special event, either
web based or onsite. A virtual "Open House" that
introduces your customers and potential to your business site
can generate interest
Advertising. Several free and low-cost classified advertising
avenues are available on the Web. Make certain that any advertising
you do is targeted (the readers are your target market).
Sig files. Make certain that your e-mail messages contain
a signature file that announces your business, its contact
information, and a tag line associated with your business
(e.g., “Makers of all-natural gourmet muffins”).
Giveaways. A giveaway is a novelty item you give to
customers and potential customers. To be effective, a giveaway
must contain your company logo or name and contact information,
and it should relate in some way to your business. If you're
a desktop publisher, you might opt for an attractively designed
mousepad with your company logo, for instance.
Networking. Join associations affiliated with your
industry. Meet potential customers, partners and suppliers.
Make certain you give your business card to everyone you meet.
Take advantage of speaking opportunities.
Partnering. Consider teaming up with another home-based
business who offers complementary services or products. You'll
each double your contact list and can provide a more well-rounded
package to your clients. Don't forget to announce your alliance
in a press release!
In short, getting the word out about your
home-based business just requires a little ingenuity and effort.
The rewards will come in increased customers and greater business
growth.
About the Author: Yvonne
Buchanan has been a public relations writer, editor and freelancer
for more than 20 years. She is an instructor at The PR Academy
www.learnpr.com , a professional development institution that
provides public relations instruction and information.
|
Toni
Weel 
Mike Dillard: