Marketing Your Home Business
by Alex
1. You Are the New Product "Expert"
Successful marketers without a doubt are "experts" on the products they sell.
I think this goes without saying but I will say it anyway: You should own or have at least tried the products you promote. I promote Site Build It all the time. I do so because I know the product. I have "kicked" the tires. I know it works. In fact, I've used it to build this very website.
When you promote a product that you own, first-hand knowledge/experience buys you leverage. People place more value on recommendations from others that have already used the product.
Now, you probably won't own every product that you promote. In these cases just make sure that your intended product/promotion has been thoroughly researched. You should be just as knowledgeable about it as the one that you actually own.
2. Get Involved
Join a few chat rooms. I know this one will be hard but if you are just getting started, ease in to the selling phase. Your initial chat should be used for getting to know people. You should also be looking for opportunities where you can demonstrate your product knowledge.
When mentioning products that you are promoting, lean towards their benefits in your chat. Save the heavy sells for another time. Once there is a product interest simply refer people to the appropriate site via your affiliate links.
3. Affiliate Program Ads - Write Your Own
Most Affiliate programs provide pre-written ads/links for affiliates use. Just think, if you are the creative type and can write your own ads, you should be able to really stand out. Done correctly you could create a huge advantage over other affiliates.
4. Creating a Newsletter
Consider creating a newsletter which could also be used for ezine directory submissions. This is a great way of promoting your business.
Remember, most people that subscribe to your newsletter will be looking for information. Don't bomb them with advertisements and selling campaigns. Doing so will destroy your credibility and your mailing list. Wait until you've developed a reputation before selling. Once you have developed a good reputation then you can begin promoting.
5. Everyone Loves Free eBooks
eBooks are easy to create and distribute. Creating one could be as simple as gathering a group of articles that you have written or rewriting some of your articles in much more detail. It will be up to you. Just make sure that your eBook includes advertisements and a link to your affiliate site. Your eBook can either be a complete freebie or the incentive to join your newsletter's mailing list.
Finally, remember to generate a buzz for your eBook. It is promoting your business so the more help it receives the better. Consider distributing it to eBook directories or offering it to other webmasters for free distribution via their sites.
Your overall goal here is: "Expert" status. The closer you get to this the easier it will become to promote your business and grow your profits.
