Are you a mother with young children? She dreams of having a home business but you wonder, “How will I get clients if I can’t even leave the house?” The good news is that she can use creative, low-cost ways called “guerrilla marketing strategies” to reach her customers. The great news is that she doesn’t even need to leave her house!
Here are some ideas to get started:
1. TELL THE WORLD
If your home faces a busy street or walkway, a sign is a good start to advertising your business.
Keep it short and simple: write your company name, your product offering and your contact details in a maximum of 15 words.
As a “Baby on Board” sticker, stick an A5 size sign on the rear windshield of your car for roadside advertisement. Make sure you have a clear, unobstructed view of the traffic behind you!
Another advertising space is your shopping basket: a sign alerts shoppers and will have them knocking on your door when they need homemade cakes, grooming services or a traditional massage.
2. CAN I HAVE YOUR CARD, PLEASE?
A professional-looking business card effectively advertises your business and helps spread the word.
With quality cards costing as little as RM80 to print 250 pieces, they’re the perfect item to hand out when someone asks, “Can I have your phone number in case I need a copywriter?”
Simplicity is the best policy: use a single color and a simple background. Again, include only essential details like your company name, your contact details, your website (if you have a decent one), and a brief description of your services.
3. GET A PARTNER
Find a physical business whose customers may need your services. Traditional businesses love to be seen as convenient, one-stop shops and will gladly show off their business cards if you present the idea as a win-win situation. If you are a tailor, go to the textile stores. If you’re a baker, go to a baking supply store.
Once I purchased baking supplies, I was thrilled when the owner recommended an in-house baker who could make the healthy birthday cake I wanted. Needless to say, my son had a happy birthday and I have recommended the baking supply store to anyone who asks!
4.ENERGY NETWORK
Maximize your children’s time waiting at the doctor or daycare by chatting with other parents. It’s the best way to introduce your business after the question “What do you do?”
Remember that there is a time and a place for everything. While their birthday cakes are the best, keep in mind that a mother with a seriously ill child may not be in the mood to hear about them.
5. VOLUNTEERS PLEASE!
Is your sister’s or neighbor’s kindergartener having an end-of-the-year concert? Offer your sewing skills to make the necessary costumes by showing the main samples of his handiwork.
Once the director sees a quality, creative portfolio, you can get an annual contract for the costumes.
With her accounting background, Tan LC volunteered to help her former employer manage the company’s accounts when she stayed home after becoming a mother. A year later, her former employer became her first client and recommended her services to other companies looking for bookkeepers.
6. GIVE A GIFT
Everyone loves a gift, especially a homemade one. Azrina Mohd Azmi first gave away her cloth diapers to family and friends. Soon, she received offers to buy them and now she is the proud owner of the FreshBots® cloth diaper business that is sold at retail in baby stores and in her online store.
7. LET’S PARTY!
Multi-level marketing companies like Amway, Avon, and Tupperware built their success on the house party. Attract customers to your home by hosting a party that features your products or services.
A party is a great way to make friends and share your passion. As a host with more, your guests will remember you better if they left for a good time, a goody bag, or a helpful lesson.
8. GO ONLINE
The Internet is the best way to connect with customers beyond your home. Free ad space is available on online forums, eBay has the cheapest online store, and blogs allow you to share your portfolio of products or services for free.
Carol C., enjoys a steady stream of customers for her child care services with just one ad placed on eHomemakers
Bloggers like Deana, a part-time baker, get new orders from her blog, while Audrey Koh, owner of TheBabyLoft, shares tips on the cloth diapers and baby carriers she sells.
The sky really is the limit for marketing your home business, even if you barely have a chance to go out and see it.
