Does anyone have an idea of the best way to advertise a home based business, inexpensively but effectively? I don't have the budget for the Wichita Eagle and I'm not sure if people really read or respond to the little signs that are put on street corners by some people.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I can't list what my business is here on this post per the mamapedia rules but I do have a website that I made myself. The google fees are pretty high though so I have to figure out a small budget for advertising. I put an ad on Craigslist and I'm already getting emails and phone calls so I'm happy about that. I thought another option is to hand out flyers in my neighborhood and ask them to also pass on my information. Thanks so much!
A good website design, logo & your site should be search engine optimized otherwise people will never find your website.
Advertise & Network ie. Chamber of Commerce, AdWords, Blog, Craft Fairs, Church Donations (donate to silent auctions or other fundraisers)...
Good luck!
Get the book "Guerilla Marketing" It is a must-have for anyone that owns their own business.
I usually order business cards and post cards from www.vistaprint.com. You can always get free stuff and just pay the cost of shipping I post cards in any public place that's free (i.e., grocery store, McDonald's, etc.)
I'm in Plano TX area and the little signs on the corners are a big no no and if you continue to do it you will be fined.
That said...I don't know the nature of your business but most of the time, schools are looking to raise money and they get people to advertise in the directory, donate and advertise for fundraising activities. Our HOA has a website and you purchase advertising. I'm involved with the cheerleader booster club and our main fundraiser if making/selling the football programs. We sell ads for the programs. All of these avenues are reasonalbe as far as advertising costs to you.
Word of mouth is the ultimate fantastic (FREE) advertisement for you.
We run our company from home but it is in such a niche market, we do no advertising at all. Our customers have been referred to us in most circumstances.
Good luck.
Depends on your line of business. For example, if you're a home-based bookkeeper, you'd benefit greatly from joining a local business networking group or the Chamber of Commerce. Selling a product for children? Consider an inexpensive ad in a local school newsletter or donating a product for a school raffle to get your name out there. Networking is critical. Sites like MeetUp.com often have free groups you can join to connect with other home-based business moms.
Good luck!
Depends on what your business is. Having a your own Web site, creating a business page on Facebook and Twitter are good places to start. Facebook & Twitter would be free, though you can purchase ad space from Facebook in addition to having a page. Web site costs can vary depending on what company you get your hosting through, what kind of information & pages you want on the site, and who you get to design/program the site.
What is your business and how much is your budget?
