Craft and Home Business Ideas

One of the most amazing things about the hugely successful MySpace website is that it’s success is in large measure down to the activity of the members.

The members of MySpace create the content (which is regularly spidered by the Search Engines), the members routinely promote the site to their friends, colleagues and associates without MySpace having to do anything. There have been a lot of products recently which have focused on how an Internet Marketer can tap into the potential of MySpace.

However, whilst there are miliions (80+ million at the last look) of users of MySpace the biggest problem is that they are a very diverse and untargetted group of people. Therefore tapping into the potential involves an immense amount of work!

Having said that though for the Internet Marketer Social Network sites do offer an opportunity to absolutely dominate any niche that you are involved in or want to be involved in.

But you might be think that creating a site with the capabilities of MySpace seems like an overwhelming prospect! But just imagine if you were able to bring together the people in the niche you want to dominate by creating a MySpace clone for that Niche and properly target the members?

There is a solution which does not involve you spending tens of thousands of dollars in having a site created for you by a coder. The people at phpFox have put together an affordable (you can buy or lease the product) price and it’s an amazing product. Take a look at it by clicking on the phpFox link.

Craft and Home Business Ideas

Flowers have always been big business but the age old art of flower drying and making them into works of eye catching bouquets is becoming hugely popular in business today. Many people have spent years perfecting the art as a hobby but when it comes to selling dried floral bouquets it can become a bit daunting on how to get the word out. So here, we will go through five marketing ideas of how to do it yourself and without hassle.

1) Internet Marketing:

Internet marketing can be easy, free and as simple as adding a signature to all your outgoing emails and posts. To do this all you need to do is to write a short message about your business, its name, phone number, email address, website and a little information about your bouquets. Remember to keep your signature short and easy to read.

Another thing you could do is write articles that people will gain information from and can link to or from or add in their newsletter with a link to your business.

Consider starting a newsletter yourself, is another great idea when marketing online, include information, products and specials that the reader will gain something from.

Make your website search engine friendly by using keyword rich articles and information on your products.

2) Flyers, Pamphlets and Brochures:

Yes, most companies and businesses do this and for good reason, it brings in potential customers and sales. When you create your flyers, pamphlets or brochures make it eye catching, enticing and something that the reader will enjoy. Write as though you are talking to your reader in person and include descriptions of your products, like what type of flowers you use and so forth. Give the reader a reason why your product will benefit them and make them interested in learning more.

Buddy up with another company that will compliment yours, like a local wedding company. This is a great marketing strategy for both you as you will save money on mailing costs and target twice the readers. This buddy strategy works by sending with your flyers and pamphlets their business card/flyers and in turn they will do the same for you.

3) Use The Things Around You:

Marketing your business by using the things around you or on you can be greatly beneficial and you usually only need to pay the one set up cost. Think about putting your logo sticker on your car windows or doors.

Get a t-shirt printed with your business logo and phone number and where it as a uniform, out shopping, or wherever you may be.

Making sure you have all your paper work and envelopes printed with a letterhead and business information and have business cards always on hands.

All these things are easy to do and will be noticed wherever you go even when you are not working, really it is marketing that works for you all day, every day.

4) Special Offers and Information:

Giving special offers can boost your business dramatically. Send them to clients who have bought off you before or send them out with your pamphlets to entice newcomers. Give specials to people who by in bulk for a wedding or other event or even create a customer rewards program. When creating a special make sure you include an expiry date.

Another thing you could do is give out free information on how you make you products like giving demonstrations on how to arrange a bouquet or how to dry flowers. This sort of information is something a customer can take away with them or entice them to buy the product from you, knowing how much time and energy go into it.

5) Advertising:

Advertising has to be one of the most valuable marketing strategies a person can take. Before you delve into buying and placing ads find an appropriate place for it that with your target customer in mind.

You could buy ads on the internet on floral, wedding websites or wherever your target buyer is likely to go.

Placing ads in trade and specialty magazines is another great way to reach a wide amount of readers and potential buyers who are or will be interested in your product.

When creating an ad, make it eye catching with pictures of your bouquets and valuable contact information or a website where they can look at more of your arrangements. Just remember not to make it to busy and make sure all information is easy and simple to read.

The above is just some ideas where you can start your marketing campaign there are many more options you can choose from. Remember enticing potential customers to buy from you is the most important aspect of marketing, being noticed is just the starting point

Craft and Home Business Ideas

Craft and Home Business Ideas

Making crafts can be a lot of fun. But there are some other areas that have to be covered if you plan on networking your item to people in your community. Explore your options when attempting to network. If you don’t know where to begin, try reading plenty of books on the subject or talk to friends who may know a bit more about the subject.

When starting out, create a mailer to be sent out to people in the community. This can consist of a flyer, short glossy magazine or news article. Whatever you feel is best. You can have them sent out as a free mailer, or you may want to go with an opt-in mailing. This is where your customers sign up for a free mailer about your item. This is the best way to avoid wasting paper and stamps. But you may ask, “How do I get the addresses?” There are several avenues you can take. 1) Anytime someone makes a purchase, ask if they would like to be added to the free mailer. If they’re impressed with your crafts, more than likely you’ll list will be pretty long, 2) when attending a local craft show, have a clip board with pen that people can sign up for. They may not buy something right then, but if they’re interested in your craft, they will sign up. Collect Name, address, city, state and zip code. You can even make room for an email address. On average, a mailer should be sent out twice a year. If you do send too much information, too often, it may end up in the trash.

Placing flyers around your community is also a good networking tool. Check with local businesses to see if it’s ok to post a flyer in the window. You might want to stick with businesses that sell craft supplies, clothing or anything that can be connected with your item. When creating your flyer, put lots of color to catch people’s attention. You can input pictures on the flyers as well as an average price.

Contact your Chambers of Commerce. They help promote businesses by having meetings and items displays. This is a good way to introduce your self to the community. You can also find out what’s happening in your community such as local craft show days and times.

Stop by your local consignment store or boutique. These are great ways to get your craft out there. Generally, they will receive a percentage of the sales. Of course, this will be discussed before hand. When approaching the business owner, dress professional. Bring a sample of your item in with a list of prices. Also expect to sell in large quantities and for a discounted price. Store owners generally don’t pay full price for bulk items. Come prepared to give a price to the owner, but make sure you’re making a profit from it as well. If the store owner isn’t sold on your product, ask if it would be ok to leave business card or flyers behind with a sample of your work. If potential buyers take an interest and ask about the craft enough times, the owner may see the want for it and will be contacting you.

If you’re not one to get out there and start marketing your item, you can even hire a sales representative. They generally collect a percentage of what they sell. They can do it the old fashion way and walk door to door telling people of your product or they can visit local businesses and display your product. Make sure they are educated on your item. People make ask questions to the sales representative and you don’t want them to reply with a blank stare.

Try your local church. Churches have many functions throughout the year. Some even hold small craft shows for the community. Word of mouth is also a great way to network in your church. Churches are small communities that once the word is out, it travels fast.

If you’re selling an item that is wearable, wear it! Things like hair bows should be displayed in your daughter’s hair. If they’re unique, people will begin asking about them. If your selling handmade clothes, try making a holiday pattern and wear them before the season starts and see how many people want to know where you got it.

Whatever route you take, get out there. Even avenues you wouldn’t think to explore, try it. You never know, you might just make a sale. If you want to learn more ideas for developing your Homebased Craft Business then it’s well worth reading Start a Home Craft Business

Craft and Home Business Ideas