Many people dream of being able to run a business from home, but are unsure how they should go about fulfilling their ambitions. One of the most important things to consider for any home-based business is how you plan to market and advertise your specific goods and services. Consider digital marketing.
Investing in digital marketing services and social media marketing is an outlay well worth considering, as this will give you access to professionals who have knowledge of the latest trends. Some home businesses prefer to take on the task themselves, although this can be fraught with danger if you do not possess the correct skillset.
Whichever road you decide to go down, there are some key digital marketing elements your home business needs to get right in order to be successful. We take a closer look at the best ways you can market your business digitally to deliver productive results time after time.
Website & eCommerce Solutions
To get your home-based business noticed, you will need to establish a visible online presence via a website or other eCommerce solutions. There is no right or wrong answer regarding which one to choose ― essentially it boils down to which one best suits the particular sector your business is in.
If you decide to set-up a website, there are some extremely cost-effective ways you can set this up using content management systems such as WordPress. Alternatively, eCommerce solutions such as Etsy and eBay are also well worth considering, as these provide a quick way to get an online shop up-and-running.
Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms have become the go-to marketing and advertising medium for millions of businesses across the world. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram remain the most popular and provide easy ways for businesses to attract new customers and engage with existing ones.
It is important not to spread yourself too thinly on social — doing a couple of platforms extremely well rather than all of them badly is the key to success. “Different platforms work better for different types of businesses. Artists do really well on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. LinkedIn is king for B2B businesses, news-based businesses thrive on Twitter, and Facebook groups are still the best for growing businesses and communities. It’s all about where your audience usually resides,” says digital marketing expert Ahmed Bilal.
However, it is not just about viral growth — using paid social campaigns offers home-based businesses a great return on investment especially on platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok, and should be an integral part of your digital marketing strategy.
Video Content
Marketing and advertising have always been heavily reliant on visual content and this is arguably even more prevalent in the 21st century. Research has shown that videos are far more effective sales tools than written content, delivering much higher levels of engagement.
Strong visual content is more likely to result in brand recall, particularly if your home-based business is trying to appeal to a younger demographic. Videos are also useful in improving website rankings and search engine optimisation, making it easier for consumers to discover your business.
Email Marketing Campaigns
Many people think that email marketing is an outdated practice, but it can still deliver positive results for home-based businesses if utilised correctly. According to HubSpot, email generates $42 for every $1 spent, which represents a massive 4,200% ROI, making it one of the most effective marketing options available.
More than three-quarters of marketers have seen an increase in email engagement over the last 12 months, further highlighting its ongoing impact. The personalised nature of emails still holds plenty resonance with consumers, making it a marketing tool that every home-based business should adopt.
Digital Customer Service
Some home-based business owners underestimate just how much digital customer service options form part of the marketing process. The days where businesses could operate on a 9-5 basis are long gone, with modern consumers extremely demanding when it comes to service expectations.
Make sure that your social channels are monitored for as much of the day as possible, and use automated holding messages outside those hours. Chatbot software is also well worth considering as this provides website users with speedy answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Virtual Reality Technology
Virtual reality (VR) technology has been on the verge of crossing into the mainstream for some time now, but now looks ready to make the final leap. The possibilities for VR from a marketing perspective are huge, particularly in sectors such as real estate, travel agency or estate agency.
VR tech provides businesses with the opportunity to transport clients into virtual settings, thus helping to build emotional connections that 2D images are unable to replicate. Persuading customers to complete a sale is the toughest element of any business, but VR has the potential to make that process run much smoother for home-based businesses.
Digital Marketing for Home-Based Businesses — The Final Word
Digital tools have undoubtedly helped to transform marketing practices and that trend will continue over the coming years. Failing to invest resources into this area can be catastrophic for businesses, especially those at the lower end of the scale. Whether you are just setting out on your home business journey or have an established company, make sure that a portion of your budget is channeled towards digital marketing activities.
