• Print your logo or company name on every piece of paper you distribute. Most small business owners think about purchasing business cards, but don't think about printing their name and number on every piece of paper they send out. It might sound like over kill, but if you're trying to survive and promote your home business it can really help bring some business in. You can use business stationary as a promotional tool, as well as faxes, bill payments, receipts, or electronic documents. It's also easy to place your slogan or company name at the end of an email so those reading the information know where it's coming from.
• Write articles on topics of your expertise and that will build your business. For example, if you're a realtor you might write something about preparing to sell your home. Ideally you want your publication to be found somewhere that your target audience will be reading, but realistically you might have to settle for something else. Since the internet is so widely used you might want to consider and focus your first efforts online. Newspapers are also an excellent place to publish an article.
• Use the internet to post messages and to contact potential customers for your home business. If you use your email you have already discovered one way of reaching people. Build a web page for potential customers to go to and learn more about what you are offering. Get to the top of the search engines so that you get plenty of hits on your page and this will help promote your home business.
• Get listed in the yellow pages, business directories, and local business websites. Many companies will list other home business companies for free and some might require a small fee. It is well worth the time and money however, as most people will consult these publications when searching for a needed service.
• Use your vehicle to promote your home business. With so many new home businesses you can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. You can promote your business by putting your company name and phone number on your car. That way everywhere you go, and where time you get into your car you are actually promoting your home business. You can do it with your license plate, magnetic signs, or vinyl lettering is another popular way to advertise.
• Free and discounted items are always great ways to promote your home business products or services. Everyone loves "free" so take advantage of that. For example, a "buy one-get one free" special might attract some new customers to your business, or a 10-50% off coupon for the first 100 customers to come buy a special product or use a special service.
• Presentations and seminars are another great way to promote your home business. For example, if you sell vacuums you could go door to door to show customers how it works and some of the special features it has with it.

Promoting your home business may take some extra time and effort, but it isn't hard to get the word out about what you're selling or offering. Your time and energy will definitely pay off.