by Elizabeth Picard

Created on: January 04, 2008

Growing your home business is one of the biggest investments you'll make. There are many low-cost marketing techniques available to you that are quite effective. Of course, there some techniques will work better in different fields but overall there are basic techniques that will generate business rather successfully for you. Below is just a few. Deciding how much revenue you have available for marketing will decide how many platforms you'll use and how much of each.

1. Word of mouth. Nothing speaks louder than a satisfied customer. Treat each customer with the same high standard of service regardless if they're your biggest consumer or just a one-time low-end purchaser. How they perceive their experience with you will have a lasting effect, especially when they're talking to others about your business. Not only do I suggest at making sure that you're always offering a quality service in initial contact, sales presentation, competitive pricing and quality services, but followup is key with each customer. Asking for and listening to their feedback shows your customer that you do care about them as well as what they have to say. Many times this will give you insight into what aspects of your business are doing well and which might need improvements.

2. Offer a referral rebate to your customers. This would require no upfront out-of-pocket expense on your part as it would be contingent on a customer referring another customer who will actually use your services or buy your products. This gives your customers an incentive to help promote your business, which goes back to #1 that nothing speaks louder than the words of a satisfied customer.

3. If you own a computer, you can create your own fliers or even post on other sites that offer boards for posting your service or product. Many of these have free places for you to post your listing. For those you have to pay a fee, this will sometimes vary in price. Creating your own fliers is rather simple. Microsoft Office offers some templates as well as there are other software programs out there that make creating your own publications rather easy.

4. Advertise in local papers. These ads will vary in price and quality depending on what you're willing to spend. There are also other cheaper papers, such as the Peddler or PennySaver which cover an area and offer rather low rates for advertisement.

5. Have business cards made. Not only are they very affordable but they can be used in a variety of ways to promote your business. Most

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