Starting your own home-based business is a unique challenge in itself. After doing all the hard work and getting everything off the ground, the next big challenge is marketing your business. If no one knows you have a business, all the hard work will be for not.
So how do you get the message out there?
Networking. Social networking is the greatest marketing tool that’s been invented so far and is used by all successful businesses. But there are a couple of different ways to get the ball rolling when it comes to getting the word out about your new business:
1. Start With Social Media
Having an online presence is paramount to having a successful business. It has been shown that more than a third of the consumer population will skip out on a small business if they cannot find a company’s website. Rather than starting off with the headache of developing your website, social media sites can be used to launch a free online page for your business.
Websites such as Facebook can become invaluable to you. They provide all the necessary tools for your company’s online presence. A business page can give you a place where customers can review your services or products allowing you to respond to any concerns quickly and swiftly.
The media page also allows you to market to the network you already have on the website. Likewise, it can provide you with premium tools to help target your local market. When people you know see what your business is all about, they will become your supporters the next time someone needs your services or products. Start by focusing on your friends and family and they will spread the news for you.
2. Text About Your Company
In this day and age, the majority of people use text messaging. And because of this, it’s an excellent way to spread the word quickly and efficiently. The best way to text your network is to have personalized messages to your friends, family, and acquaintances. This may sound overwhelming, but it is not necessary to send each message one by one.
Many apps can be used to help organize this seemingly insurmountable task. Paid and free apps are available that can create lists of individuals and send mass tailored texts to them. A more personal text can be sent to your extended family, while a more professional text can be sent to business acquaintances.
You can even use the apps for spreading news and discounts about your business in a couple of minutes. Another benefit is text messages make it easy for your network to help spread the word for you. If anyone is interested in your service or product, all your recipient has to do is forward your last text.
3. Make Phone Calls
We might live in the digital age, but a one-on-one phone call can still be just as effective as ever. Though it will take much longer to have a conversation over the phone rather than sending a text, the personalized nature of the call will likely leave a greater impact on the person.
It is easy to forget to respond to an online post or a single text message, but it is much harder to forget an hour-long conversation about your new endeavor. Working at home means you will constantly be busy so picking the right people to call is imperative. Choosing a friend you might not have talked to in a while may prove to be more beneficial than calling your next door neighbor.
Make sure to choose someone who can help spread the word to people you would not normally be able to reach. This is a great way to help your business thrive while also reconnecting with long lost friendships.
Deborah, Very encouraging. I think that many entrepreneurs focus on the business, without focusing enough on putting their idea in front of potential customers. I’d be interested in your thoughts on whether it’s important to have one’s own website, or if it’s possible to rely on platforms owned by others — like Facebook and Twitter.
Hello Deborah, great article! I totally agree with you when it comes down to Marketing on Social Platforms like Facebook. But if you’re in business the most important social networks to be on is Linkedin and Youtube! Every business needs a video! Other than that I loved your article!
Hi Robert. I think it’s important to mention that you should choose 2 – 3 platforms to focus on, because you can’t maintain quality when you’re spread too thin. Unless you have a team to help you with marketing. Thanks for stopping by!