How to Market a Home Based Business

You've obtained your business license, cleared out some space for a home office, written a business plan and now you're ready to launch your home based business. Without a store front that brings in foot traffic, you need some creative ways to get your name out there. Read on for some tips on how to market a home based business.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Get out the rolodex. One of the best ways to market a home based business is to contact friends, family, and business associates to let them know about your new venture. Send out an email or a letter explaining your new business and include your contact information.

2. 
    

   Use the power of word of mouth. Everywhere you go enthusiastically tell everyone you know about your business and chances are, before long the word will spread. Have business cards printed up and keep them with you to hand out as needed.

3. 
    

   Offer incentives. Since word of mouth is a huge way to market a home based business, offer discounts so that your customers will tell their friends what a great deal they got from you. For example, I had an invitation business and offered my customers 30% off. I didn't make as much on each sale but I made up for it in volume. Also, if a customer sends a referral your way, offer them a discount on their next purchase.

4. 
    

   Join or start a networking group. Find other people who are trying to market a home based business and meet once a week (or month) over coffee to share your business, marketing ideas, and contacts. Call your local Chamber of Commerce for similar established groups.

5. 
    

   Take your business on the road and into people's homes. Start by having a "launch" party - open house style at your own home. Send out invitations to everyone you know and ask them to join your for an evening of socializing while they learn about your business and view your products (if you are selling something). From there, ask people if they would be interested in hosting a similar home show and offer them discounts on your services or products.

6. 
    

   Get on the phone, pull out the phone book and start cold calling. While this isn't the easiest and most exciting aspect of trying to market a home based business, it is a vital task. Keep your head up when you get rejected and celebrate the calls that turn into valid leads.

7. 
    

   Build a simple website. Whether you create it yourself or hire someone to do it, a website is a great way to have an online presence and market a home based business. It can be as simple as a home page with a business description, referals, picture gallary, and contact information or as complicated as being able to accept online orders.

8. 
    

   Write about it. Offer to write an article for free for a local community newspaper that relates to your business product or service and reference your business in the article. Go online and contribute to blogs and forums about a related topic and point readers to your business.

[ezyas123]

on 3/15/2009 I like the article, I'll go check out your blog.