Five Tips For Marketing a Home Based Business

1. Start by printing business cards. This is one of the most basic steps you can take and it won’t cost you a fortune. A good online printing company will offer printed business cards for less than $20. It’s a small investment you should make. A business card is something you can have with you at all times, the small size makes it easy to carry. You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to hand one out. It could be a huge client that will come back over and over. Look for a printer offering an online design center, or one that will accept your print ready files via upload.

2. Networking, get out there and chat. There are a lot of networking groups which meet regularly. They are designed to get small businesses together and refer leads within the group. These groups are helpful because the other small businesses are in the same boat. They all need customers and they have incentive to refer customers to you, because they know the favor will be returned when the opportunity arises. You should also let everyone you know about your home based business. Your friends already know and like you, try to enrich these relationships in an effort to gain the powerful advantages of word of mouth advertising.

3. Websites are essential. Even the smallest home based business should have an internet presence. A website should provide information about your business, what service or product is offered, and a method of contact. A website is a great way to get started marketing a home based business. Customers need to be able to know how to reach you, so ensure you put a phone number, contact form, or email address on your website. If you don’t know how to create a website, don’t worry. Coding isn’t necessary. There are a lot of alternatives including templates and themes that are ready to go. All you need to do is reserve a domain name and select a hosting provider.

4. Brochures can come in handy. If you ever go to trade shows, need to mail out information, or meet with clients in person, having a brochure can give your business a lot of credibility. Professionally printed brochures should contain brief information about your business, great graphics and a company logo.

5. Stay in contact with email marketing. You likely already have a ton of contacts in your email address book.. Use these to your benefit. Create a monthly e-newsletter and start sending it out. You can start with the friends and contacts you already have. Eventually your distribution list will grow. Every time you meet with a client, or talk with a potential customer on the phone make sure you get their email address. They may not be a customer right away, but keeping in touch on a regular basis will increase your chances of them becoming one.

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5 Home Based Business Ideas

Start a Blog that makes money.


Regardless of your past experience with building a website or making money with one, starting a blog that makes money is a profitable way to start a home based business in 2012. And, in my opinion, is the first step to building a profitable small business online. There are hundreds of ways to start a website or blog, many of the best are free or cost very little, expense is not a barrier to creating a profitable business you can operate from home.


Learn how to make money with affiliate marketing.


Affiliate marketing is simply put, making money selling someone else’s products. Making money with affiliate marketing is a smart business idea for a beginner and it will tie in nicely with starting a blog that makes money. There are thousands of online entrepreneurs whose sole income is from affiliate marketing and thousands more who got started through affiliate marketing and went on to build online empires that have earned millions. Affiliate marketing has to be a component of any successful home based business idea in 2012.


Ways to make money now.


Making money now, or making money at will is an important part of any business. Maybe you have a service you could offer other people. A service that you get paid for. I wouldn’t advise starting a purely service oriented business on the Internet (because passive is better) but having something you can do today and get paid for today is a nice option for a beginner. Many of the best business ideas I’ve found online don’t earn money immediately, they take time to build. Once they are up and earning they are quite passive and the income will continue to build if your willing to work hard. Cash flow is important to any business and ways to make money now will help you with initial cash flow. You’ve probably heard of getting paid to take surveys and it’s one example of how to make money now even if you have no experience on the Internet. There are some legit sites that help you earn money taking surveys and save you a TON of time.


Home Based Franchise Ideas.


If you have experience as an entrepreneur in the brick and mortar business world but you want to start another business from home, then starting a home based franchise business may be right for you. Home based franchise ideas have a wide range industries, from consulting to pet grooming. I don’t have a particular franchise idea to recommend, but I’d encourage you to choose a franchise that you have genuine interest in you feel comfortable with.


Network Marketing Opportunities.


Network marketing opportunities or directs sales opportunities are also a very popular home based start up right now and will be one of the most popular home business start ups in 2012. That said, they aren’t for everyone. It seems everyone and their brother has tried a network marketing opportunity. Maybe you have too. The key to success in a network marketing or direct sales business opportunity is treat it like a real business. That was always hard for me and I’ve never really found an opportunity that felt motivated about. I do know several people who do very well with these opportunities and they all incorporate their opportunity into their website that also earns money. When you start a blog that makes money you will also have a great way to connect with others who are looking for good ways to make money from home and they may find interest in you network marketing opportunity. I’ve written several article on network marketing opportunities and how to avoid scams.

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EBay Business Idea

Wondering how to start an eBay business? You’re not alone. Since its inception in 1995, millions of people have joined EBay to buy and sell items.

Pierre Omidyar, a computer programmer, had no idea of the magnitude his experiment would have on internet business.

He wanted to show that an open market that gave information and opportunities could create an efficient marketplace.

One weekend, he set up an online business called Auction House. He put one item up for sale: a broken laser pointer.

To his surprise, a customer contacted him and wanted to buy the pointer for $14.83. It turned out that the customer collected not just laser pointers, but broken laser pointers. Omidyar realized the potential of internet selling, and EBay was born.

Today, EBay is a global online marketplace with more than 84.5 million members worldwide. Anyone with an internet connection can go online and look through more than 50,000 categories to shop, buy or sell.

Because it is an online auction, customers bid for products and the highest bid wins. However, because there are a number of sellers on EBay as well, prices remain competitive.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SELL ON EBAY?

You can find almost anything you want on EBay. Categories include baby gear, antiques, electronics, art, books, clothing, shoes, crafts, musical instruments, movies, books, toys, jewelry, and event tickets.

You can even find businesses for sale and even cars. Items may be new or used, and the sellers make that clear in their descriptions.

HOW TO START AN EBAY BUSINESS

Starting a business on EBay is easy. You need a computer with internet access, a digital camera, and a reliable way to mail products to customers.

Now, what will you focus on how to sell on EBay successfully? It could be something you make yourself, or something that you buy and resell. As with any business, you’ll need to do the research to make sure there is a large enough market for your product. One person may collect broken laser pointers, but will many others?

Become familiar with the EBay website at EBay.com. It is easily navigated, and once you log in you will be guided through the steps for buying or selling.

You can look at the What’s Hot page to get an idea of some of the best sellers. Also look in your local stores and read the business sections in newspapers to stay on top of trends.

Next, determine your price. Although it is an auction, if your price is too high you won’t get customers. Do your research and determine a fair price. Be sure to include shipping expenses.

Develop a clear description of your item using keywords and include the item size and condition. Take a picture of the item with your digital camera and download this into the description as well. This will give customers a better idea of the item.

Respond to customers promptly to build trust and increase customer satisfaction.

Finally, once the auction is closed and you have a buyer, send the item promptly. Contact the U.S. Postal Service for ideas on how to streamline your mailing from home.

Buyers are invited to evaluate the seller, so the more satisfied customers you have, the better you will look to other potential customers.

With a great idea and a useful product, you can exponentially increase your market by having learnt how to start an EBay business.

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Affiliate Marketing Business Idea

Starting an affiliate marketing business is not a way to get rich quick. It is a business with a high potential profit, however, if you work hard and learn expert sales techniques. Like any other business, affiliate marketing requires sound decision making and intelligent planning.

There is no magic formula for making profits with affiliate marketing. Becoming a successful affiliate marketing entrepreneur is challenging, but it can be profitable. Belief in your products and a willingness to serve your customers will be the most important keys to success.

STARTING AN AFFILIATE MARKETING BUSINESS

Affiliate marketing is not a business that should be jumped into without preparation. Careful research into affiliate marketing programs will be required. Not all affiliate marketing programs have the potential for success. Some disappear just a few days after launch.

With careful planning, however, it is possible to make a second income and, in some cases, a full time income by starting an affiliate marketing business.

Some advantages of an affiliate marketing business are:

1. Most affiliate marketing programs require a relatively small investment:Most assist you in setting up a website and promoting the product through emails, advertisements, and directory listings.
2. No need to handle products: The affiliate marketer is selling products on the behalf of a third party. There is no inventory to maintain and no need to keep track of product shipment.
3. There is no limit to income: The more innovative the marketer is, the more they earn through commissions on affiliate marketing sales.
4. The work can be done from home: Affiliate marketing is the ideal business to run from home.

Affiliate marketing programs can be confusing. Many programs make claims of overnight riches and instant wealth. Careful consideration must go into your decision about which program to choose. In truth, affiliate marketing is like any other business. Success depends on the quality of the product and the entrepreneur who sells it.

FINDING SUCCESS AS AN AFFILIATE MARKETER

Hard work, dedication, and out of the box thinking are needed for succeeding in the affiliate marketing business.

Below are some of the strategies used by successful marketers:

• Doing their homework: The most successful affiliate marketers are people who laid the proper groundwork before starting the business. They planned every aspect of the business down to the last detail. They researched the various affiliate programs and chose to work only with those promoted by reputable companies.
• Being independent: Successful entrepreneurs know that determination and hard work is as important in affiliate marketing as it is in any other sales environment.
• Planning the company finances: The best affiliate marketers follow a sound financial plan to ensure success. Money must be set aside for marketing costs, such as printed advertising material, web site development, and product samples.

EXPANDING YOUR AFFILIATE MARKETING BUSINESS

Most successful marketers started slowly and took the time to learn about their customers while perfecting their sales techniques. As they became more skilled, many expanded their offerings to other product lines. Related products are ideal because they give you additional products to offer your current customer base.

Starting an affiliate marketing business can be highly profitable as long as you make wise decisions, have passion, and possess the drive to make it work.

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Blind Cleaning Business Idea

Most people hate to clean dusty, dirty blinds. And, as a result, they stay dusty and dirty, which is not only unsightly, but also can exacerbate allergies and asthma.

A blind cleaning business makes it easy to keep windows in tiptop shape.

HOW TO CLEAN BLINDS

The majority of blinds on windows today are vinyl and aluminum. In order to clean them, you can do the spray and wipe method, or take the blinds down to clean.

When you take the blinds down, you can put them in a bathtub with a cleaner, thoroughly wipe them down, rinse and dry.

Some people even take their blinds to a do-it-yourself car wash, and use an empty stall as their cleaning space.

While these methods work, they are time consuming. As a business owner, you need a quicker, simpler solution. Consider what technology has to offer:

ULTRASONIC BLIND CLEANING

Ultrasounds are high frequency sound waves that are used to remove dirt from items that are immersed in a cleaning solution. Jewelers often clean jewelry in ultrasonic machines.

With an ultrasonic blind cleaning machine, blinds are placed into the machine and the sound waves gently but thoroughly remove dirt from crevices. In addition, the process is quick—30 seconds for a set of blinds. A drying agent is applied to finish the process, and you’re done.

Ultrasonic blind cleaning machines can be purchased or leased. Depending on the setup of your business, you can attach one to the back of your car as a trailer, and make your business mobile.

Or, you can keep it in a stationary position, such as a garage or storefront, so clients can drop off their blinds to you as needed.

Unlike the home cleaning business, the blind cleaning business uses the same technology and equipment whether you’re cleaning a home, hotel, hospital, restaurant or office. Therefore, your potential client base can be huge, but your system of work can remain the same.

FINDING CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR BLIND CLEANING BUSINESS

As mentioned earlier, you have several options in how you set up your business.

• You can go to your clients and clean at their location.
• You can pick up blinds from your customers, take them away for cleaning and bring them back, typically the same day.
• You can have a storefront location, similar to a dry cleaner’s, where customers drop off and pick up their blinds.

Your marketing techniques will depend on which method you choose. However, determine which location has the possibility of bringing you the most business.

If you can find clusters of customers (in an office park or a large neighborhood for example), it may make sense to go to them. Consider adding window-washing services to your business so clients can get the whole package.

If your business comes from all over, and your analysis shows customers are willing to take down their blinds and come to you, a permanent location may be the answer.

With good market analyses, good equipment and a willingness to work, you can find success in the blind cleaning business.

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Vending Machine Business Idea

The vending machine business is an important industry for increasingly active people who need this convenient option for foods and drinks.

This is a wonderful opportunity for generating “passive income” for continual cash flow.

Annually, more than 5 billion drinks and 8 billion snacks are sold through American vending machines. A Department of Commerce study showed that fewer than 5% of new vending businesses fail – compared to a 65% average for other small businesses.

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 has provided new tax deductions for the self-employed.

The vending machine business offers flexibility and independence to its owners. Other companies advertise the popular products sold in these machines, so there’s no need to worry about that.

All you need is to be physically fit and be able to meet three basic parameters: location, product and machines.

Vending offers a flexible schedule. Many start part-time and gradually build up their routes.

Available options include franchising or the purchasing of established routes. It should also be noted that this is a 100% cash business, which should make it appeal to many new entrepreneurs.

DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN

Develop a business plan for your forecasted expenses and revenue. According to experts, approximately 78% of your gross revenues will go to expenses, so after accounting for vehicle maintenance and repairs, be sure to factor this in to your plan’s calculations.

When you first start out, you should focus yourself on finding locations, acquiring equipment, and determining good product mixes. Later you can look into finding new locations and centering yourself on filling every one of your clients’ needs.

Also be sure to monitor the owners of current machine locations to see if there’s any way your company could improve the service they receive.

Expansion options include movie rental kiosks and medical device and candy machines amongst many others.

YOUR VENDING MACHINE BUSINESS – LOCATIONS

The most basic sales task for the vending machine business is attracting good vending locations. Find a high traffic location or company with many employees. Bulk targets should include schools, hospitals and factories though the competition here is high and service expectations high.

Tailor your product mix to the specific business or venue you’re serving, and compare the pricing structures of your competition so as to be able to offer more competitive services.

FINDING GOOD VENDING MACHINES

Be sure to always seek out good-quality vending machines and vending supplies, and don’t ever buy what people aren’t looking for. With this in mind, also be sure to select attractive machines capable of drawing in customer interest.

Good machines are small, efficient, provide good product mixes, offer change and can display the newest products. Only buy used vending machines if absolutely necessary.

In dealing with your clients, small things such as providing a “Vending Company Service Form” and an efficient method of dealing with coin returns make you look professional. To reinforce this image, look at joining the Better Business Bureau.

If your vending machine business provides high-quality products and services, it can establish a good reputation, then use word of mouth advertising to generate long-term profitability for you.

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Coupon Business Idea

Coupons are in high demand as people look for ways to save money. A coupon business costs very little to start, but has the potential for high earnings. That makes it a smart choice for home based entrepreneurs.

When you first learn how to start a coupon business, you will discover that there are two principal ways to make money. The first method is where local businesses pay you to include their business coupon in your booklet. The booklet is then freely distributed.

The second method is where local business submit coupons for inclusion into the booklet at no charge, but the booklet itself is sold at a predetermined price. Either way, it is best to concentrate on one method when you first start out.

A home business will require a business license and may require a zoning variance, so check with your local licensing agencies and apply for the necessary permits and licenses.

In addition to properly setting up and registering your business, you will need the following:

• Computer
• Printer
• Desktop Publishing Software
• Flair for Design

Seek out and build a relationship with a reliable local printer. Using your own home printer will likely be sufficient in the beginning, but as your customer base grows, it will be more efficient and less expensive for you to work with a professional print shop.

HOW TO START A COUPON BUSINESS – KEYS TO SUCCESS

Learning how to start a coupon business requires that you plan strategically. Intelligent pricing will be essential. Your goal will be to factor in all of your costs and make a profit while still charging an affordable price. Don’t forget to include costs such as your time, printing, supplies, and mailing fees.

Excellent sales and communication skills will give you an edge as you talk to business owners and coupon seekers. When speaking with potential customers, always focus on the benefit they receive if they choose to buy from you.

Use common sense. Rather than including coupons from five different pizza establishments, include coupons from only one. Each booklet should be filled with complementary business coupons, not competing promotions. Business owners expect to see an increase in profits themselves by utilizing your services. If they don’t, they won’t participate again.

FINDING CUSTOMERS AND GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

Every business with a coupon in your booklet should have a supply of coupon books readily available for consumers. If you are using the free booklet method, make them available at grocery stores, libraries, schools, and other public venues. If you are selling coupon booklets, knocking on doors is one way to go. Approach local organizations who may be interested in using the booklets as fundraisers. Use low-cost ads in the local newspapers to advertise your coupon business.

As more business owners and coupon users become aware of your services, you can start to look for ways to add more profit. One way is to have a professional web site developed and sell coupon booklets online. Another option is to create a variety of themed coupon booklets. For example, design different coupon booklets for diverse target groups, such as newlyweds, parents, college students, or the retired.

If you are enthusiastic, artistic, and people oriented, learning how to start a coupon business is the ideal first step in turning your frugal franchise into a profitable, long-term venture.

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