The EDGE: I'm starting a home-based business. How do I start ...

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So, you?ve made the decision to venture out on your own with a home-based business. It?s an exciting, overwhelming, and scary time all at once. There?s much to do and one of the most important is to assure you will be able to sell your new product or service. But how do you go about marketing your new business so you will have customers?
You should already have a business plan in place which defines your company goals, vision, mission, products and services, and you should know your initial marketing budget. Here are some steps to get your new home-based business visible.

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1.?????? Define your target market(s) ? Think of the specific groups of people you should target with your products and services. If you are a home-based business without a large staff, target very specific locations and demographics. If you are a bigger business with other staff located in different areas, the locations you target should be broader.
2.?????? Use your past to help build your future ? Think about everyone you know from your previous work and personal experiences who already know your work. Then think of how they might fit into your target market(s). You already have a captive and interested audience. Marketing to them is your best first step.
3.?????? Begin to build your brand ? The first step in building your brand is designing your look and feel. You?ll need a logo and tagline and an overall look that tells people who you are. Hire a consultant if necessary to get the best look that tells your company?s visual story.
4.?????? Write a marketing plan ? You have the basics, now get into the details. How can you reach your target market(s) within your start-up budget and get the most exposure from unpaid promotional opportunities? Be sure to include a launch schedule with target dates for all marketing, advertising, PR, and social media activities.
5.?????? Build your online world ? Build your website and social media sites to tell your story online. Start a blog with the first post carefully written to outline your company values and further build your brand.
6.?????? Move forward with other marketing ? Whether your marketing plan includes a brochure or other mailing, direct calls, eblasts, advertising or more, once your marketing plan is in place you can start working on your launch. During a launch you should saturate the market through many different mediums to gain the most exposure. Be sure to include press if possible. Get testimonials from your new customers and incorporate them into your future marketing activities.

7.?????? Keep it going! ? You?re now getting exposure for your new home-based business and work should start coming in. Don?t stop! Sometimes it can be hard to find time to market your small business while you are running it, but it is important to continue so the momentum never stops. Review your marketing plan often and make adjustments as necessary to get the most return on your investment.

Starting a home-based business can be daunting. It can also be one of the most rewarding and exciting things you will ever do. The right marketing approach will help it be successful as well.

Source: http://professionaledgeblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/im-starting-home-based-business-how-do.html

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