5 of the Best Online Marketing Resources for Home Businesses

 

Home-based businesses are very popular, and it is estimated that a new one is started every 12 seconds. Unlike most other small businesses, companies that are launched from home often require a start-up capital of less than $5,000. This makes it possible for people from all walks of life to achieve their goal of becoming self-employed. However, it takes a lot more to become successful than simply having a dream and starting a business.

Aside from filling a niche, having the necessary skill set and offering quality products or services, it’s imperative to harness the power of online marketing. Fortunately, there are many tools available to help you connect with a wide audience of potential customers. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you’ll be able to greatly increase your chances of becoming a successful home-based business owner.

1. Website Building Software

Having a nicely designed website with high quality written content has to come before anything else. After all, 81 percent of consumers research items and companies online before they commit to making a purchase. Additionally, a professional looking website is one of the key ways to build consumer trust.

The good news is that companies like WiseIntro make it possible to build your own professional website. This will help you save a lot of money while still attracting consumer attention. It’s also wise to combine your site with a strong social media presence.

2. Google Analytics

Let’s face it; Google basically rules the entire Internet. Unless your website and online marketing efforts attract a high search engine ranking, it’s going to be extremely difficult to build a profitable business. The good news is that Google offers a free Analytics service to help you improve the quality of your website and keep an eye on traffic.

You can also track the performance of your AdWords campaigns and set up specific conversion goals. This is very useful for tweaking your online marketing. It allows you to quickly and easily see what is and isn’t working. By utilizing this Analytic data, you can maximize your online marketing budget and efforts.

3. Email Marketing Software

There are numerous options available for email marketing software, including GetResponse, MailChimp, and Constant Contact. Use a personalized and automated approach to email marketing in order to have the best possible impact. Studies have found that merely including the email recipient’s name in the subject line can increase open rates by up to 42 percent.

4. Consider an Online Marketing Company

Do you have zero knowledge about marketing but a strong business idea? Turning to an online marketing company such as Markitors, Internet Marketing Ninjas or StraightNorth will be more expensive than DIY. However, in some cases, this is actually the best usage of your time and money.

Before you sign any contracts, though, do some research. See which company in your price range has the best reputation and offers the most comprehensive online marketing package.

5. Tools for Branding

Your company needs to be based on two ideas: customer retention and branding. Everything from having a professional logo designed to choosing a specific color scheme for your website and ads will make it easier for consumers to identify your products and services.

Always remember that even Coca-Cola still places an emphasis on product branding in their advertisements, and so should you. It’s also a good idea to look for small and simplistic ways to build brand awareness. For example, WiseStamp enables home-based business owners to create an eye-catching email signature that will further your branding efforts.

There are virtually countless additional marketing resources you could use, ranging from browser plugins that assist with blog writing all the way to free advertising sites such as Craigslist and ClassifiedAds. Ultimately, the marketing tools you choose to use should be based on your specific needs, along with your budget and business niche. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help your home business grow quickly without spending an exorbitant amount of money.