Not all small business run out of homes. Some of you small business owners may have a storefront or at least an office somewhere that you run your business out of. Home businesses aren’t for everyone, and sometimes it can be difficult to get things done working from home.
There are some differences to a business outside of your home, even if it’s a small business. Here are some things you’re going to want to invest in.
Signage
Your business needs a sign or no one is going to be able to find you. There are all kinds of business signs you can get, depending on your business or building type and how much money you want to spend. You may need a sign for an awning or just signs for windows, or you might even need some specialty yard signs to use when you have a special sale going on.
Paper Marketing
All businesses need business cards. It’s the easiest and most common way to let people know how to get ahold of you and it makes a great icebreaker when you’re attending conferences. You also want them when you are promoting your business at trade shows.
Business cards aren’t the only thing you’ll want to invest in when it comes to paper marketing. Get brochures, postcards, and more. The more ways you have to tell people about your business and what you have to offer, the better.
Promotional Merchandise
If your business spends any time at business expos or trade shows, you need to have some swag. Swag, or merch, are items you give away to people that help promote your business. They have your logo or contact info on them.
Some more popular swag items include t-shirts, hats, pens, and drink koozies. Have fun with it. You can find items in all different price ranges online and get them customized for your business.
Window Displays
Windows attract customers, so if your business has a window of any kind you want to make it attractive. Get a sign in there letting people know what your business is. Put some product in there so they can see what you offer.
Advertising
Make sure you’re investing in some advertising as well. Just passing out business cards and putting a sign in your window isn’t always going to be enough to let people know your business exists. Get online and use social media, create a website, and contact your local papers to find out their advertising rates.
Your small business can thrive, but only if you put your money into the right places. You need to make your business look good and then let people know it exists. If you just sit around waiting for people to walk by and notice your store, you’re going to go out of business pretty fast.