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Marketing and advertising strategies

Hi 'Preneurs,

thought we could get a discussion going about how you get the word out about your business. Obviously social media is a big part now, right? Do you have a separate Facebook and Twitter account for your business, or do you use your personal one for business promotion? Has anyone approached local stores or online ones like Etsy about carrying your products? What are the pros and cons of bringing in a middleman like that?

Be sure to let us know what your business is, and how long it's been up and running!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Becca Ritz on November 16, 2011 at 11:11am

Hi Katie -

I would say how you promote your business depends on what you are selling. Social media is a great way to get the word out, but what are you selling and what is the price point of your products or service? And do you have a budget or do you want to do this as cheap as possible? Knowing that will help me point you in a more clear direction. You can also find ways to grow your small business on my website: www.bauerhaus.com

Permalink Reply by CarolinaNiki on November 21, 2011 at 1:23pm

I am just starting out with a crafty side business - started this month. I already have a full time job, so it's pretty limited to after my little one goes to bed at night, naptime on the weekends, and my lunch break at work. I have my shop (Crafted by Niki) up on Zibbet (kinda like Etsy). I have also talked to a couple of locally owned stores. Most of them would display the work on consignment.

I set up both a Facebook and Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/CraftedbyNiki) account for the shop.

Permalink Reply by PNSA on May 14, 2012 at 11:48am

I live in AZ and just started an online writing workshop. I've been an in-home tutor in order to stay home with the kids, but before that I was a Special Ed teacher and Inclusion Coordinator. For my tutoring, I mostly relied on Craigslist, fliers and word of mouth. I tried local schools and libraries, but they wouldn't really let me advertise. I had a website and a link at the bottom of my emails. It was pretty small and I needed the business to be local so I could work out of my home.

For the writing workshop, so far I have listed on craigslist and have made a website and FB page. I've also gotten in touch with my former tutoring clients. But now since I'm venturing into online tutoring and don't need locals-only, I'd like to widen the canvas of advertising as well. Trying to get some new ideas. http://azwritingworkshop.webs.com

Oh, I've also sold crafts at craft fairs through schools and churches. I tried listing some on CL but that didn't really work much. I never tried Etsy - the crafts I did were a long time ago and I don't know if etsy was around.

I've never been a big business, so I have never needed/wanted to spend the money on more involved advertising, but maybe now I should consider it.