Promotion 101 - Business Lifeblood

Marketing is an important aspect of any business. Home based businesses are no exception. Here are a few tips on promoting your business.

1. Personalize your business cards with a company logo. Be sure to include email addresses and website URL on the front.

2. If you sell a product, carry several samples with you. Attach a business card to the front. You'll be prepared the next time someone asks you "What do you do for a living?". Hand them a sample along with your contact information so they know how to get more.

3.Collect email addresses from everyone. Contact information can be as good as money in the bank.

4. Start a monthly newsletter filled with updates and special promotions for your products and services. Snail mail it and email it out to every address in your database.

5. Learn to write good copy. If you don't have time to educate yourself, hire an exceptional copy writer to assist you. Good copy makes a difference between booming business and lost sales.

6.Request testimonials from experts in your line of work, then use them to promote your business.

7.Publish your business in every available marketing directory in your area.

8. Word of mouth can make or break a business. Talk up your business when in public and enlist friends and family members to do the same.

9. If you don't have one already, get a website. Keep it low key, professional, easy to navigate and full of quality content. Don't overuse graphics and flashy plug ins that slow down the time it takes for your page to load. Spend some time creating a catchy headline or slogan for your business. Now would be the time to use the copy writer again. List your web site with directories like Google , Yahoo and Inktomi. Make sure you read the webmaster's guidelines and ensure that your website conforms to the search engines terms of service.

10. Get the word out about your business online by joining discussion forums related to your area of business. Post links back to your website and exchange links with other businesses that complement your service. Avoid associating your site with fly-by-night or shady businesses. Only allow your links to be posted on high quality, reputable sites. Only post links on your site to businesses or websites that you have researched thoroughly. This can improve your page ranking and help you move up on the search engine results page.

11.Purchase advertising. While this is more expensive, it gains attention. There are many different options for advertising including online, print, radio, and television. Pick the one that best targets your audience.

Don't rely solely on one marketing initiative. It takes a campaign to successfully promote your business. Remember PR, marketing and advertising are important business expenses that translated into money in the bank.

About The Author-- Jennifer Lavoie is a home-based business coach. Using Robert Kiyosaki's teaching, she helping others to build passive income businesses and retire early and free. http://www.retirefree.ws

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