Making Your Home Business Look Professional — by Janet Holian

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Starting Your Business on a Budget

If you are thinking about starting a home-based business, you need to think of ways to look professional right out of the gate. But for a new business owner, just the idea of marketing materials can be an overwhelming thought. So how do you make your company look professional without spending a fortune? Start with some of these ideas.

Powerful Logo –

The logo of your company is often the first thing that someone sees. Don’t take it for granted. It should communicate the values of your company – strong, dedicated, customer focused, etc – and be on all of your marketing materials. Creating your logo can be as simple as choosing a symbol, a layout and adding your name to it. Business Cards in Printed and Electronic Form - Don’t underestimate the power of the business card. It’s often the first thing someone sees when you meet them for the first time and they are you when you aren’t there. Make sure your business cards are high-quality, full-color and make an immediate impact. Distribute them freely to ensure that your name gets out there often. Give a stack of cards to colleagues who will pass them along to potential customers. Match your e-signature to your business card with unique e-business cards—electronic versions of your business cards that are included in every e-mail. Encourage customers to forward contact information, an excellent way to increase your customer base.

Professional Materials —

Produce high-quality, professional materials for all of your branding and marketing initiatives. Your collateral materials - business cards, letterhead, brochures, note cards, post cards, giveaways and even return address labels should all match and make a strong impression. Because prospects and customers like to review information from home, clear and easy-to-read brochures with product or service information are important. Skip photo-copied fliers on colored paper and shoot for full color glossy materials. Hand them out when you meet with clients or to prospects at shows and conferences.

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