Are you up to the challenge of a home-based business? For years, you have relegated yourself to a mundane routine of home-work-home. You have dreaded Mondays, because that meant another busy week at work. Getting out of the office early on a Friday night is a feat, but it rarely happens. You only get to be “totally” with your family two days out of seven; you barely have time to witness your children grow! The only solution you see is starting a business from the comfort of your home, but are you ready to take the plunge?
Millions of Americans have switched to this ever-growing industry, now recognized as the backbone of the U.S. economy. It has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. That is primarily thanks to the ever-evolving computer technology and almost instant access to the Internet. Now that you’ve decided on what work-from-home business you’re interested in, there are a few simple but doable strategies for a home-based business to get you going.
The Lean and Mean Office at Home
To kick start your new career as an entrepreneur, remember that escalating energy and electric bills are getting a massive chunk of a person’s take-home pay. The question is: How do you economize or cut corners in your fledgling home-based business? Since you will work at home, it’s a great idea to consider alternative ways of heating your home during winter. During the summer, you can cut on electric bills by not using the air conditioner and ceiling fans instead.
Here are just a few cost-cutting tips:
- Try to look for alternative heat sources during winter by using a fireplace.
- Whenever possible, work outdoors during the summer, especially during the hottest hours of the day when you won’t need electric lights.
- Use fluorescent bulbs if you can. They use less energy and last longer than ordinary light bulbs.
- Invest in office equipment that has the Energy Star symbol. It can save you as much as 50% on your electric bills.
- Cut costs on your phone bills by using VoIP (voice over internet protocol) like Skype. Or get one of those all-in package deals where phone and internet bills are bundled.
- Use your computer/laptop to send and receive fax messages to save on printing costs.
These are just some of the strategies for a home-based business to get you started working at home.
The Need for Marketing Strategies
So you’re on your way to working at home on your own. The next step is making people aware and getting them interested in your service. If you think you don’t need advertising, think again. You need more advertising than the traditional type of business because you don’t have a storefront to attract people to your business. Here are just some tips to attract customers.
- Word-of-mouth campaigns are a good start if you offer a service or product. Also, hosting a party in your neighborhood is a great way to demonstrate your skills. Or try conducting workshops in your local library or church by offering free services if you’re trying to get more customers.
- Use your website, if you have one, to market your product or service. Keep the content organized and informative, and provide your contact numbers. A map directing customers to your area is helpful, so they won’t get lost trying to find your location.
- Get listed on Yahoo or Google search for potential customers to find you.
- While on the web, why don’t you try advertising on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter? Social media sites such as these help you to connect with potential customers.
- Email newsletters are an excellent tool to generate interest, especially if your customers have chosen to receive newsletters from you. It tells them what’s up and coming in your product or service and informs them of giveaways or freebies in case there are any.
These are just a few marketing strategies for a home-based business you can use to promote your product. So, what are you waiting for? The rest is up to you.