Are you a mother with small children? She dreams of having a home business but you wonder: “How will I get clients if I can’t even leave the house?” The good news is that she can use creative, low-cost ways called “guerrilla marketing strategies” to reach her customers. The great news is that she doesn’t even need to leave her house!
Here are some ideas to get started:
1. TELL THE WORLD
If your house faces a busy street or sidewalk, a sign is a good start in advertising your business.
Keep it short and simple: write your company name, your product offering and your contact details in a maximum of 15 words.
As a ‘Baby On Board’ sticker, stick an A5 size sign to the rear windscreen of your car for a roadside advertisement. Make sure you have a clear, unobstructed view of the traffic behind you!
Another advertising space is your shopping basket: a sign alerts shoppers and will have them knocking on your door when they need homemade cakes, fixing services or a traditional massage.
2. MAY I HAVE YOUR CARD, PLEASE?
A professional looking business card effectively advertises your business and helps get the word out.
With quality cards costing as little as RM80 to print 250 pieces, they’re the perfect item to hand out when someone asks, “Can I have your phone number in case I need a copywriter?”
Simplicity is the best policy: use a single color and a simple background. Again, include only essential details such as your business name, your contact details, your website (if you have a presentable one), and a brief description of your services.
3. GET A PARTNER
Look for a physical business whose customers may need your services. Traditional businesses love to be seen as convenient, one-stop hubs and will gladly flash their business cards if you present the idea as a win-win situation. If you are a tailor, go to the textile stores. If you are a baker, visit a baking supply store.
Once I bought baking supplies, I was thrilled when the owner recommended a home baker who could make the healthy birthday cake I wanted. Needless to say, my son had a happy birthday and I have recommended the baking supply store to anyone who asks!
4. POWER NETWORK
Maximize your children’s waiting time at the doctor or daycare by chatting with other parents. It’s the best way to introduce your business after the question “What do you do?”
Remember that there is a time and a place for everything. While their birthday cakes are the best, keep in mind that a mother with a seriously ill child may not be in the mood to hear about them.
5. VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE!
Is your sister’s or neighbor’s kindergartner having an end-of-year concert? Offer your sewing skills to make the necessary costumes by showing the main samples of his handiwork.
Once the director sees a quality, creative portfolio, you can land a yearly contract for the costumes.
With her accounting background, Tan LC volunteered to help her former employer manage company accounts when she stayed at home after becoming a mother. A year later, her former employer became her first client and recommended her services to other companies looking for accounting clerks.
6. GIVE A GIFT
Everyone loves a gift, especially a homemade one. Azrina Mohd Azmi first gifted her cloth diapers to family and friends. She soon received offers to buy them and now she is the proud owner of the FreshBots® cloth diaper business that is retailed in baby stores and her online store.
7. LET’S PARTY!
Multi-level marketing companies like Amway, Avon, and Tupperware built their successes on the house party. Attract customers to your home by hosting a party featuring your products or services.
A party is a great way to make friends and share your passion. As a host with more, your guests will remember you best if they left for a good time, a goodie bag, or a useful lesson.
8. GO ONLINE
The Internet is the best way to connect with customers beyond your home. Free advertising space is available on online forums, eBay has the cheapest online store, and blogs allow you to share your portfolio of products or services for free.
Carol C., enjoys a steady stream of customers for her childcare services with just one ad placed on eHomemakers
Bloggers like Deana, a part-time baker, gets new orders for her blog, while Audrey Koh, owner of TheBabyLoft, shares tips on the cloth diapers and baby carriers she sells.
The sky really is the limit for marketing your home business, even if you hardly get a chance to get out and see it.