Here are some ideas to get you started, all at little or no cost, that should help you especially in the early days of your business.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s just a few ideas to get you started.
1. Get a domain name in the name of your business or what you do. Marketing is all about building others’ perception of you and using hotmail, aol, blueyonder etc, just scream “I’m a one man work at home band” even if you’re not!
2. Print some business cards. Keep them clear and concise, and don’t forget the back.
3. Think of a logo and a brand. This may just be a color scheme to start with, but keep it consistent throughout. From business cards, letterhead to your website.
4. Ask people you know to introduce you to others who might benefit from your services or products.
5. Collect testimonials and case studies from satisfied customers. Use them to provide evidence of how good you are.
6. Hold seminars and workshops for your target audience.
7. Learn more about Public Relations. PR is free and you get more exposure than advertising.
8. Use good quality paper for your business stationery. Let’s go back to perceptions.
9. Write an executive summary about your business. Use it as the basis for brochures, an email attachment, a letter appendix, or anywhere else you need to define what you do as part of your marketing activity.
10. Go out and network. Attend free networking events and seminars to meet others who could help your business. You can also connect online through various discussion groups and networking sites. Don’t forget to see how you can help others, don’t just be a taker.
