Since my work background is pretty heavy in marketing and public relations, I have spent a lot of time showing clients how to promote their businesses and organizations. In addition to the obvious, expensive advertising and promotional activities, there are some incredibly cheap and simple ways to get the word out about your home business and one of them is using your e-mail…
Now, I’m not talking about SPAM here, or sending unwanted and unappreciated e-mail blasts to all your friends and family. I’m talking about firstly, creating a signature or tag line on the bottom of all your e-mails (personal and business, if you have more than one account) that promotes your business, and I’m talking about creating a “newsletter” that you can send out promoting your business to people who “opt in” or choose to receive it. These two activities can really add some oomph to your marketing efforts–without much effort from you.
You’ve probably noticed fancy e-mail signatures on e-mails you’ve received. Maybe you even already have one of your own. But, instead of just a fancy font, personal quotation, or fun little graphic–include your web address and a line promoting one of your items or services. For example, as an event planner you might add something like: “Ask me about my Autumn wedding planning specials.” It’s a rather simple way to do some consistent and subtle promotions.
Additionally, creating a e-mail newsletter to send out once a month or so doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t even have to be one of those fancy ones with all the graphics and boxes and links. Just a simple letter-style e-mail letting people know what your business is up to, any special sales or services you are offering, reminding people about upcoming holidays, or a brief article about something useful that pertains to your business may be all that is necessary. Be sure to include a link to your Web site and contact information. Give people the opportunity to choose if they want to get the e-mail newsletter so you aren’t being annoying. It can be a nice service to offer customers and prospects without wasting paper or postage.
These are just two ways to use your e-mail to promote your business. I’m sure if we put our heads together we could come up with some more!
See Also: Cultivating a Reputation for Honesty and Integrity