Free Publicity For Your Home Business
Whether you are just starting out as a new business or are
operating a current establishment on a budget, there is never a
bad time for free publicity. One of the largest expenses that a
business has is with advertising costs. This is especially true
of home-based businesses, which have little additional costs
other than advertising. The price of running an ad in a print
publication can be large, which is why many business owners are
looking for new ways to cut their advertising costs and maximize
their exposure.
The only way that customers will know about your business is if
they are made aware of it's existence. Therefore, a press
release is one of the most effective ways to gain free publicity
for your home business. Unlike traditional stores, which have a
physical presence, a home based business relies solely on a
customer's knowledge that it is there. For example, if you are a
freelance photographer, you will need to generate more publicity
than a traditional photography studio. Why? Because a
photography studio may be located in a shopping mall or center
but, as a freelancer, your business will rely on self-promotion
and word of mouth. The same is true with website owners who rely
on internet commerce. Because you do not have a physical store,
you need publicity to get the attention of potential customers.
This is one of the scenarios that a press release will help. In
order to get the most out of your press release, submit it to
local newspaper editors, print magazines and free online press
release submission sites.
A well-written, attention grabbing news story could land you a
lot of new customers. It should be no longer than one page in
length and include photos if available. In order for your press
release to get published, you must have an interesting angle or
be participating on something noteworthy. A new business opening
is interesting, but isn't likely to garner a lot of continued
attention. But, a new business who is providing a contest with
free entries may do the trick. If you are a photographer, offer
a free photo package to the winner. If you own a website, allow
visitors to enter their e-mail address for a chance to win a
free prize package or something relevant to your business.
Everyone likes free stuff and if you give your customers what
they want, they will be back for more.
If you have a home business, you should definitely consider
getting a website. The internet is a terrific place to post your
press release but, in order for internet promotion to be
effective, you will need a website. Promoting your spot on the
world wide web with press releases and article marketing are
just a few of the ways to get free publicity. Others include
link exchanges with friends, acquaintances and other businesses.
Just as there are plenty of ways to obtain paid advertising,
there are just as many ways to get free publicity for your home
business. Publicity doesn't have to be expensive and, for those
who are truly resourceful, it may not even cost a cent.