So, you’ve made the decision to venture out on your own with
a home-based business. It’s an exciting, overwhelming, and scary time all at
once. There’s much to do and one of the most important is to assure you will be
able to sell your new product or service. But how do you go about marketing
your new business so you will have customers?
You should already have a business plan in place which
defines your company goals, vision, mission, products and services, and you
should know your initial marketing budget. Here are some steps to get your new home-based
business visible.
1.
Define your
target market(s) – Think of the specific groups of people you should target
with your products and services. If you are a home-based business without a
large staff, target very specific locations and demographics. If you are a
bigger business with other staff located in different areas, the locations you
target should be broader.
2.
Use your
past to help build your future – Think about everyone you know from your
previous work and personal experiences who already know your work. Then think
of how they might fit into your target market(s). You already have a captive
and interested audience. Marketing to them is your best first step.
3.
Begin to
build your brand – The first step in building your brand is designing your
look and feel. You’ll need a logo and tagline and an overall look that tells
people who you are. Hire a consultant if necessary to get the best look that
tells your company’s visual story.
4.
Write a
marketing plan – You have the basics, now get into the details. How can you
reach your target market(s) within your start-up budget and get the most
exposure from unpaid promotional opportunities? Be sure to include a launch schedule
with target dates for all marketing, advertising, PR, and social media activities.
5.
Build
your online world – Build your website and social media sites to tell your
story online. Start a blog with the first post carefully written to outline
your company values and further build your brand.
6.
Move forward
with other marketing – Whether your marketing plan includes a brochure or
other mailing, direct calls, eblasts, advertising or more, once your marketing
plan is in place you can start working on your launch. During a launch you
should saturate the market through many different mediums to gain the most
exposure. Be sure to include press if possible. Get testimonials from your new
customers and incorporate them into your future marketing activities.
7.
Keep it
going! – You’re now getting
exposure for your new home-based business and work should start coming in. Don’t
stop! Sometimes it can be hard to find time to market your small business while
you are running it, but it is important to continue so the momentum never stops.
Review your marketing plan often and make adjustments as necessary to get the
most return on your investment.
Starting a home-based business can be daunting. It can also
be one of the most rewarding and exciting things you will ever do. The right
marketing approach will help it be successful as well.
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Kerry Brooks is Co-owner of ProfessionalEdge Associates, offering a wide range of marketing and support services to businesses that want to increase their success, but aren't in a position to add to their staff. Visit the ProfessionalEdge website at www.gettheprofessionaledge.com, email info@gettheprofessionaledge.com, follow them on Twitter @profedge, or like their Facebook page.
Kerry Brooks is Co-owner of ProfessionalEdge Associates, offering a wide range of marketing and support services to businesses that want to increase their success, but aren't in a position to add to their staff. Visit the ProfessionalEdge website at www.gettheprofessionaledge.com, email info@gettheprofessionaledge.com, follow them on Twitter @profedge, or like their Facebook page.
