I don't know about you, but when I started my business and even today with a son in college and two kids at home who love to shop as much as mom, I don't have a lot of money to spend on marketing. I need to make sure that every penny I spend is spent wisely, very wisely. So when I market my business, I need to make sure that I'm creative and use all the tools I have available that don't cost money. Here are some tips that I have found that worked for me.
Radio/Media - It's not that hard. Have a plan of action and stick to it. Each week decide to send out so many press releases, contacts to radio stations, local media, etc. Look to woman's networks, work-at-home networks, and others who actively look for guests.
Stay in tune with what's currently happening and see if it's something that you can share about. I've found that having an angle works. Once you have that angle write and pitch your angle hard.
Also consider starting your own radio show. Jill Hart and I do a weekly podcast and it's a great way to network. Check it out sometime at http://www.cwahm.com.
Forums / Listserves - Being active in forums and listserves is so beneficial to your business. You establish yourself as an expert and also you gain friendships and alliances with others. Plus, it's a great way to promote your business. Naturally you never want to blatantly advertise your business, but when you answer questions and show your expertise, people listen. I know I've found many a subcontractor this way. Take advantage of these. Remember you also establish those friendships that can last a lifetime. And then when you get the opportunity to meet them in person, you already have a bond.
Writing Articles - Submitting articles is an excellent marketing tool and I highly recommend it. Make sure you submit to your targeted market. Write on topics that you are familiar. Don't just write for publicity --Give something back. Make sure that your topic and information is of value. Write articles using "The Top 5 or 10" or "The Best 5 Ways To Do Something." Think about the magazines you buy at the stores, don't you normally gravitate to those articles. I know I do. Get those keywords in the title. That's where they count.
Also, plan, plan, plan. What are you going to do today that is going to gain recognition for your business?
Marketing a business doesn't have to be expensive if you just remember to network and use all the tools available to you. In fact, it can be fun as you get to meet new people and develop new ways to sell you and your business.
About the Author:Diana Ennen, author of Virtual Assistant: The Series, Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA and accompanying Workbook, etc., and President of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Also, publisher of the fiction thriller, Sledgehammer, http://www.pauloreyes.com.
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