Okay, I know that we are raised to think that drawing attention to ourselves is not necessarily a good thing—but this thinking can get in the way of our being able to really market and promote our businesses. If the term “marketing” puts you off, or your eyes glaze over when you hear terms like “public relations” and “promotions”—consider just thinking about it as getting people to pay attention to you and your home business.
Attention-getting tactics are those things that bring you customers, prospects, and public interest. This can be anything from a fantastic logo and a brilliant sign on the sides of your car, to a feature article in the local newspaper. Promotions is really nothing more than getting attention—and it takes paying attention to your business and your outreach approach in order to draw attention to your business operations.
You don’t have to go so far as to rely on “gimmicks” or goofy things to get attention for your business—unless that is your style and you think it will work for your type of business (as well as your personality, location, industry, marketplace, etc.). I’m not talking about jumping out of an airplane or staging a hunger strike (unless you think that will really work for your business!) You don’t even have to think in terms of competition—trying to “out do” other businesses in your market. Instead, you can just think of ways to get individuals to notice your business—this could involve telling your story, making presentations in front of potential customers, putting your picture on your business card, etc. In order to get attention, just think of different things that you can do in order to draw some attention to you (or to your business if you prefer to think of it that way.)
Also: Have a Great Slogan? Put it on Everything!
Coming Up with Engaging Names for Things
Should You Be Free or Stingy with Marketing Materials?