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How to promote your business on a shoe string budget!
brochures, flyers, home based business, internet marketing, promote your business, shoestring budget
How do you promote your home based business on a shoestring budget?
I get asked this question many times and hope that the following information will help you with promoting your home based business without breaking the bank so to speak.
First, you want to know which advertising method are the most effective for your business at the minimum cost. Set up an advertising budget and do not spend more than what is indicated on your budget. You may want to consider the following advertising methods for your business:
- Fliers
Fliers are a great way to solicit your business. Although the return of people actually seeing your advertising is lower then other advertising avenues, this is a cost effective method. You should advertise in fliers around seasonal peaks and ebbs. Choosing the right time to place an ad on fliers is important if you want to get a higher exposure rate. Flyers can be designed on your computer or at a printer location. Distribute them to specific areas which you’ve identified as potential business. Remember to monitor the response rate of flier distribution.
- Newspaper advertising
Consider placing an ad in the local community paper and don’t forget the classified section. Rates are cheaper for as long as you run the advertisement. Many papers are now hip to home based businesses and have advertising displays which are quite cheap. Check your local community paper for details.
- Brochures
Brochures that are professionally prepared are invaluable for trade shows, networking events, mailings, promotions and seminars. It should give enough information, but peek the curiosity of obtaining a call from a potential client. Take the time to prepare an informative brochure that is professional and shows you as an expert in your field. Remember to also include your website/blog in all your brochures.
- Thank you cards
When you receive business from clients, be sure to knowledge them by sending a “thank you” card. Offer a discount fee if they recommend you to friends and neighbors and remember to send those referrals a “thank you” card as well. Your efforts will be remembered.
- Word-of-mouth advertising
Word-of-mouth advertising spreads twice as fast as conventional advertising methods. When you give the very best to please a customer, they will spread the good word for you. When closing a business deal, make sure to provide them with brochures, business cards, etc. and ask that they refer you to their friends, families and neighbors. Word-of-mouth is a very cheap and effective method of advertising. Remember those “thank you” cards and before you know it, your business will prosper!
I hope the above methods will give you an insight of how promoting your home based business on a shoe string budget is possible. There are many more ways to promote your home based business and you should read up on marketing books for some fresh and innovative ideas that will assist to effectively promote your business. Analyze your marketing methods and apply what works best for your business success!
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S. Colon @ May 5, 2008
Thanks for the list - helps to have in one place. I’d like to add that using ‘free’ services like VistPrint –you can generate professional looking business cards and ‘thank-you’ postcards. Hand these out, giving a stack to family and friends. Also send electronic versions of your flyers. there are companies that let you keep a mailing list and send out newsletters online for a price — need to find a trial arrangement to see if this works first.
Also use a tag line on your email signature inviting folks to your website. If you don’t have a website, spend $10 on a domain name and point it to a simple page on a site owned by a friend or by a web design company (e.g. mine at BoldenProductions.com — I’ve hosted some of these).
Hello,
Thank you for your comment. You mention great points. I absolutely agree with the vista print and adding a sig file to outgoing emails. These little but important tactics work wonders for any business.
Again, thank you for sharing…have a nice day!