If you run a small business, you probably know how difficult it is to arrange funds for publicity.
Home-based businesses cannot afford an all-out media blitzkrieg like their bigger counterparts, and yet the business cannot run unless you reach out to potential customers.
One of the best and most cost-effective methods of marketing your home-based business is through word-of-mouth publicity.
This kind of publicity works well for most home-based businesses because it involves little or no cost.
In addition, this is very effective.
Here are some techniques to ensure good word-of-mouth publicity.
Good Quality: If the quality of your product or service is good, you will not need to pay people to praise you.
Professionalism matters, no matter what business you run.
Be punctual, do not miss appointments, and don't make promises you cannot deliver on.
Conversation: Get into conversation with people you meet.
Tell them what you do and what services your home-based business offers.
This is one of the cheapest methods of getting word-of-mouth publicity for your home-based business.
Neighbors: Spread the word among you neighbors.
You don't have to go far to get publicity for your home-based business.
Be cordial toward them and let them know how your services can be useful to them and the neighborhood.
Neighbors can be genuine well-wishers and are involved in varied activities, keeping them informed about your home-based business can get you many clients.
Flyers: Distribute flyers in your neighborhood and in clubs you are a member of.
Use catchy headlines and attractive graphics for the flyers.
The flyer should give your name, contact details, list of services, short bio, price information and special offers for first-time customers.
Select some addresses where you can distribute the flyers by carefully looking up a residential directory.
Regular Updates: Use flyers to keep neighbors and members of your club or hobby group updated about your services.
Public memory is short, so you have to keep reminding them about your home-based business and how you can help.
Distribute business cards with the flyers.
Keep the neighbors posted on the latest services or products you are offering and any sale or discount schemes.
The methods given above will generate good word-of-mouth publicity for you, which is so crucial for home-based businesses.
You don't need to spend money on this kind of marketing campaign, but you have to keep the importance of people's goodwill in mind.
If your services and products are top-notch, people will recommend you without your having to prod them.
If you need to know more about cost-effective marketing strategies for your small business, you can consult a small business advisor.