So, you want to reach the homeschool market?  We’ve talked a lot about how to use websites and blogs to connect with homeschoolers, but what about reaching out to the people who are still not online?

Here are a few tips:

• Reach out to your local homeschool support groups.  Send them freebies to give away at meetings.  Offer to come and do a workshop with the parents and/or children.  Advertise in their newsletters.  You can even advertise in the state homeschool groups’ newsletters as well.
• Submit press releases to local and nearby city newspapers.  These have to be newsy so either develop a great human interest story or tie in with the current news.  Make sure that you give a phone number, as well as a website, so that folks without internet can contact you as well.
• Make business cards and flyers that tell about your product and/or service.  Post those at homeschool hang outs – the library, book stores, education stores, health food stores, even toy stores.  And in all of that be sure to have a great hook.  Don’t just give the name of your product.  Explain how it could help them teach their children more easily or to have more fun doing it.  I love how Dena’s company, Trigger Memory System, really tackles the issue of children struggling with their upper times tables. 
• Be visible.  Network as much as you can.  Make sure that your local TV and radio stations, as well as the newspapers know that you’re available for interviews.  Get involved in your community and surrounding area.

Homeschoolers are a diverse group, but one thing is common to all of them.  They like to talk about homeschool products.  Viral Marketing (word of mouth) may be one of the most effective tools in your marketing arsenal.  If you have a great product, at the right price, with wonderful customer service, they WILL tell their friends.  As you are building and growing your business, always make sure that your customers know that you care about them.  Listen to their needs and respond to their feedback. Scripture tells us that we will reap what we sow (Hosea 10:12), so sow seeds of generosity and care for your customers.  Remember the reason why you are doing what you are doing.

~Nancy Carter

Managing Public Relations Consultant

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com

Comments

Comment on blog

12:42 AM, Feb. 27, 2006, posted by Anonymous

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