According to the National Center for Policy Analysis there are nearly 17 million home-based businesses in the U.S. today. As the number of business rise, it becomes increasingly more difficult to effectively market a small business. And when the small business is run by mom with a minuscule advertising the budget, the challenge becomes even tougher. As moms trying to make our way in this billion dollar industry, how do we best focus our marketing efforts?

Do Your Homework
The best way to get good results from your marketing efforts is to research the sites you're considering. Look for websites that are aimed at your target market, that have premium ad placements and that are willing to share their traffic statistics, number of subscribers, etc.

Be Bold
Statistics show that the bigger the ad, the higher the response. Double Click, a digital marketing firm, did a study in 2006 that showed a "strong correlation between the size of ads and their clickthrough performance." So, whenever possible, choose a banner size larger than the standard 468 x 60. It may be pricier, but the results should be worth the extra expense.

Think fresh
Try to find innovative ways to reach your market. Consider trying a rich media campaign that includes a video advertisement, banners formatted in Flash, and other interactive ads. By finding new ways to present your business or product, you'll catch the eye of viewers who might not normally have noticed your advertisement.

Be personal
The potential customers who view your ads want you to connect with them. They want to know how your product or service will make a difference in their lives. Write your ad copy in such a way that it brings the viewers need for your product to their attention.

Another way to make your advertising more personal is to use images - especially real-life photographs. You can find royalty free photos

Be Unique
Make your ad stand out by creating something different and unique - something that represents your company well. Diana Ennen, a publicist and president of VirtualWordPublishing.com states, "With so much competition out there today, it's important to make your ad stand out and speak directly to your target audience. No one knows your business and clients better than you, so create the ad that tells everyone why they should buy from you."

Repeat
The number of times a potential customer views your advertisement has a direct link to their perception of your product/brand. Look for websites with a high volume of traffic and don't be afraid to ask for any traffic statistics or click-thru statistics that they can provide.

Finding effective ways to market your business can seem overwhelming. By following these simple tips, you can get the best possible results for your advertising efforts. Remember that your customers form opinions about your products based on the information you provide, so make sure that your ads are the best they can be.

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies/Bible. Jill has worked from since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life.

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Awesome article, Jill. The competition for home-based business is fairly fierce and marketing makes the difference. Thanks!

 Posted by: Brandon Cox at November 1, 2008 4:15 PM

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