In 2007, after retiring on disability (I have MS and am in a wheelchair) I started a niche business out of my home, as a virtual administrative assistant. Few people in Oklahoma are familiar with VA's, and how they can help small businesses outsource their administrative tasks. I wasn't sure where to start, but I went to several places, including the Small Business Development Center for help in marketing. Nothing I tried really seemed to help. To make matters a whole lot worse, a bad accident landed me in the hospital for over a month. About the time I was recovered enough to start up my business again, in the fall of 2008, the recession hit. My biggest problem is how to successfully market my services. Anyone have any good ideas?
TerjeSannarnes | Window Shopper |
11/29/2010 - 7:14 am
I would recommend you to post the information about your business at popular topic related forums. There are a lot of marketing online communities where everyone can leave information on service at advewrtizing board for free. Also you can market your services in FaceBook, LinkedIn and other popular social networks. Also I support the opinion DiTesco about marketing services at job marketplaces like Odesk, however I would like to say that there is high level of competitiveness on Odesk, so high quality of services should be demonstrated to get results. Try methods menthioned above. Also, remember, that your main objective is to get good reviews of clients. So, if you manage to do this they will start recommending your services to their friends and other people.
One of the first things I can think out of the box to help you promote your business is by establishing an online presence. Best would be a blog (if you don0t have one yet). Provide content related to say the benefits of using services of a Virtual Assistant.
Find vertical directories that are related to your business and get yourself listed. People will not jnow about you if you are not found.
Try listing your business on Google Places.
Join communities and forums that are related your business and participate.
Register on sites such as oDesk. They are very active and you can list your services there.
There are still many ways to market your business and with virtually no cost at all. Start with these first and see how it goes.
ChristineL | Former Moderator |
10/27/2010 - 6:02 am
Hi LastWord,
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Have you considered social media, email, and other online marketing tactics? We blog about a variety of marketing topics- feel free to take a look.
Getting Started with Social Media Marketing
Getting Started with Email Marketing: The Most Powerful Tool in Your Relationship-Building Toolbox'
Google AdWords Explained - Growing Your Small Business with this Cost Effective Marketing Tool
Small Business Marketing: Making Social Media Pay Off for your Brand and Your Bottom Line
Find more small business marketing assistance and resources at Business.gov.
While you are planning your marketing strategy, please be aware of advertising laws and regulations.
Does anyone else have other marketing ideas?
Hi LastWord,
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Have you considered social media, email, and other online marketing tactics? We blog about a variety of marketing topics- feel free to take a look.
Getting Started with Social Media Marketing
Getting Started with Email Marketing: The Most Powerful Tool in Your Relationship-Building Toolbox'
Google AdWords Explained - Growing Your Small Business with this Cost Effective Marketing Tool
Small Business Marketing: Making Social Media Pay Off for your Brand and Your Bottom Line
Find more small business marketing assistance and resources at Business.gov.
While you are planning your marketing strategy, please be aware of advertising laws and regulations.
Does anyone else have other marketing ideas?
Sorry to hear about your misfortune.
To be 100% honest, it's going to be a tough environment for someone based in the USA to go into because of the average hourly wages thrown about online, so it's going to be important to start small and build a name and reputation for yourself.
Who is your ideal client? Where do you think they would spend time online or offline?
Online you should be able to find forums, blogs and interest groups (Meet Up's for small business owners for example) where you can leave a link to your site. If you participate in those types of forums, they should drive traffic to your website (you have a basic one right, giving your experience, qualifications etc kind of the like an online resume)
Off line, I'd check into some morning business meetings like Letip and BNI for an easy way to meet people whom might be interested.
TerjeSannarnes | Window Shopper | 11/29/2010 - 7:14 am
DiTesco | Window Shopper | 11/28/2010 - 5:30 pm
ChristineL | Former Moderator | 10/27/2010 - 6:02 am
MarkAse | Contributor | 10/27/2010 - 6:02 am
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