What are you forgetting in your home business?
When you start a home business it can be easy to think that all you need is a website. Especially in today’s digital age. We’re programmed to think that online is the be all and end all. The cloud is king, although (if we’re really honest) most of us probably don’t really understand what The Cloud really is.
We need to remember basic human interactions, such as talking, are often the most successful form of promotion. After all, a word of mouth recommendation from a friend can go much farther than any online advertising. We look at the 4 essential non-digital items you need for your home business.
Business cards
Mail may have been replaced by email, phone calls by Skype, but this old-school classic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And, as a home business owner, you should have a pocket full of them. All. The. Time. After all, networking is about making genuine connections. Talking face-to-face, making eye contact and engaging in real conversation. Then when you depart, handing them a business card not only cements the impression of your brand, it leaves them with a tangible connection in their wallet.
They’re the ultimate direct marketing tool. They’re the Ninjas of targeting. Having them on your person all the time, means you can give them to someone who’ll benefit from your business offering at any time.
Vehicle decal
Now, this one isn’t for all businesses but for the right one, it’s so effective. It builds brand awareness and trust, increases authority, and is a cheaper form of advertising. Driving around with your car heavily branded, means you have hundreds of eyes on your brand every day. Even if they don’t contact you that day, when they look for your service online they’re more likely to recognise you and want to call you. Don’t forget a website is only effective if people know how to find it. SEO takes time, money and a lot of work to take your site from needle in a haystack, to a big neon sign. This is a great way to make sure your local market knows you?re there and what you do.
Outside signage
Sometimes people don’t know what they want until it’s put in front of them. Or, they’re looking for something specific and don’t know where to find it. A sign out the front of your home business is a great way to let them know. Perhaps you’re a beautician, home hairdresser or home tutor. Maybe you’re a roofer who’s redone your own roof. Again, this can be used as a marketing tool of its own or a way to get your website out there. Imagine someone new to area, driving around thinking ‘I need to get my eyebrows threaded’ and voila, you’re sign pops up in front of them. Who do you think they’ll call?
Posters and flyers
These are a great way to communicate any special offers you may have. And, just like the business card, can be an effective targeting tool. For instance, if you’re acupuncturist, you could leave some at your local GP/Pharmacist offering a treatment alongside western medicine for a more holistic approach. Or perhaps you create quilts out of old baby grows. Hand out or leave some flyers at a local soft-play centre, after all, what parent doesn’t feel nostalgic about their babies growing up, especially if it’s the last one?
All of the above ideas can be used alongside or instead of any online marketing. They could even be a better, more cost-effective way to begin. It really depends on what sort of business you have. But ultimately, online is not the only way to go when promoting your home business.
Article provided by Total Image Supplies