Five (Almost) Free Ways to Promote Your Home Business
A Home Business Article Contributed by Abe Gardea
Five (Almost) Free Ways to Promote Your Home Business
Anyone who owns a home business understands the importance of promoting it. But many times budget constraints prohibit a business owner from advertising the business as it should be, and oftentimes that can lead to disappointing sales, or worse. But there are some tricks of promotion that cost little or nothing, but can bring big results. If you find yourself in need of a little promotion, but without the cash to do it, these suggestions just may be for you.
Promote your home business by writing about it.
Do you have an interesting story to tell about your home business or someone who works in it? How about your field -- can you write helpful articles for the general public? Is so, you can use these articles to gain free publicity for your business. There are two types of articles: the press release and the consumer article.
The home business press release
If you decide to write a press release, you have to remember that many people try and gain publicity for their companies by issuing press releases, and a proportionately few succeed. Why is that? It's because, although the purpose of a press release is to announce some special event or promotion in a company, it is still considered news by editors, and needs some kind of hook.
For instance, if you submit a piece announcing that your home business has created a web site, it might not make the cut, but if you include in the story a special aspect of that web site that makes it unique, you just might have a shot.
The home business consumer article
Another type of article is the consumer article. Let's imagine that you were the owner of a home business that specialized in repairing air-conditionaire and heating systems. Writing articles on topics such as how to reduce monthly electric bills, or tips on how to make systems last longer would accomplish two things for your business. First, you would automatically set yourself up as an expert, and that would naturally give your home business more credibility.
Next, you could reference your business in the byline -- or the few lines that tell about the author -- and gain free publicity. You would't have to be content with just a few articles, either. There are many community newspapers or small local magazines that would probably love to talk to you about writing a monthly column. Imagine, as a home business owner, writing a monthly column with tips for homeowners in your area.
Don't you think the publicity would be much more productive than simply running an ad in the local paper?
The home business newsletter
While you're writing, why not create a monthly newsletter to send out to all of your regular customers via email? It's practically free -- all that's required is your time -- and an excellent way to keep your customers informed about your promotions, sales and new products. In addition, you can use incentive coupons or other offers to persuade your customers to refer their friends and family to you. One important fact to remember though -- it's essential that you get permission from your clients before you email a newsletter -- otherwise it could be considered spam.
