Most parents relish the idea of working from home, but actually doing it is not as easy as it sounds. Despite the many remote-working opportunities the Internet provides, employers are often reluctant to try flexible ways of working, leaving many parents in a double bind.
Therefore, if you want to avoid the work/childcare trap, the best place to secure a home-based income is by starting your own small business, be it jewelry making, freelance writing, photography or something else entirely. Whatever you want to sell, getting people to part with their money is the hardest part, so here are some tips to help you promote your business.
Print Promotional Merchandise
Promotional merchandise is still one of the most effective ways to advertise, whatever the size or scope of your business. Why not use a personalization service to create cheap custom hats, custom caps, baseball hats, embroidered hats and more, all of which display your company logo or slogan? You can give them out as freebies when someone signs up to your mailing list, or as promotional gifts at your next trade show or business event. This tactic works particularly well if you run a design company, as it’s easy to have your artwork printed onto clothing or stationery, and it will surely make an impression.
Use Selling Sites
If you want to sell physical items, there are many multiple websites you can use for both promotion and sales; you don’t even need a site of your own. Websites like eBay and Facebook provide a ready-made platform for you to share your goods, whereas Etsy is the perfect tool for creative sellers. By the same token, freelancing sites like Fiverr and Upwork are a great way to launch a copywriting or art-based business online, as you can advertise your services, rates, and specifications through a portfolio that appears in their listings.
Share on Social Media
It’s easier than ever to start a business online nowadays; all you need is a website, a means of earning money through PayPal or bank transfer, and a social media presence. That last one is critical, however, because the majority of online users log onto at least one of their social profiles every day. However, sharing your posts now and then isn’t enough. You need to tap into the many analytics tools available to find out when your target market is most active. This isn’t as complicated as it sounds; paid Facebook and Instagram ads will do the hard work for you if you tell them which consumers to target.
Whatever You’re Selling, Promotion Is Everything
As anyone who’s ever started a business will tell you, the “starting” part is only one piece of the puzzle. Once you’ve found a way to make your business happen, you need to get your work seen by the right people at the right time for you to make a living. Promotion is everything these days, and thanks to social media and the Internet, it’s easier than ever. Luckily, with the above tips and the right amount of passion and hard work, you can sell your wares easily from the comfort of your own home.
