As a self published book author, artist, fiance to an artist and a freelance online writer I know a lot about promoting myself, both online and off. When you go into business for yourself there are only a couple people that will let the world know about your existence: you and the people you sell to. The people you sell to can be great for promoting you if you give them a great item or service. But, in this article you will learn how to promote yourself, without the aid of others.
First, you need promotional items. Start with a website. A website will be the online hub where people find you. You should also have an email address connected to your website and your business. Once you have your website you can also have a fan page for your business on Face Book and set up a Twitter account so you can let everyone know what is going on with your business. Find friends, people with similar interests, family members and anyone else you can to follow you on Twitter and like you on Face Book. Build up your following.
Now that your online promotions are set up it’s time to get some hand held promotional materials. These can include business cards, postcards, fliers, and items like pens and shirts with your logo and website info on them. There are many websites online where you can order these types of promotional goods for all sorts of prices. My favorite place to purchase items to promote my business is vistaprint.com. They have great deals and even offer free items that you just pay shipping and handling on.
Once you’ve promoted online by setting up your website, your Face Book and your Twitter, it’s time to do some footwork using your hand held promotional items. I live in a small town. I am lucky enough that many local businesses allow people to hang up fliers and business cards. Bigger cities will likely have more of these options. Put up your fliers and business cards anywhere you can, even if the place doesn’t relate to your business. My favorite place to advertise is my local laundromat. Tons of people go through those doors, and because I live in a tourist town there are tons of out-of-towners seeing my business advertisement this way to. Hand out fliers to people you know, have friends take them to work with them and give out your business cards every chance you get. I keep a stack of business cards on me at all times.
My ultimate favorite way of promoting myself is getting myself right out there. Set up a booth at the local expo or art/craft show (depending on what your business is). I am a published book author, so I like to get out there and do book signings or schedule readings. People want to meet you and they want to see your work, so you have to get out there and make yourself available.
It takes money, time and preparation to promote yourself, but it’s worth it. If you don’t promote your business no one will know about you and you’ll never find success!