Are you looking for ways to get better known as an expert in your niche? Instead of talking about yourself and your business all the time, share your two cents on other experts, products, services, books, and more.
What products or services do you regularly tell others about? Just today I can think of several recommendations I've made - the shopping cart I use, a free website builder, and a brand of gluten-free pasta.
Have you read any books lately that you found valuable? If you choose carefully you can turn your reviews and testimonials into more great ways to get your name and your business noticed.
1) Write and Share Testimonials.
Take a few minutes to write honest testimonials for other small or home-based businesses and email them.
They are likely to print them on their websites and be willing to include a link to you.
If you can, include a picture of yourself or one of the item you're writing about in use.
If someone sends a testimonial about my ebooks or services, with their permission, I post it on my website and link to their website so they get some free promotion.
Many other businesses are happy to share their customer feedback as well.
2) Review the Books You're Reading.
Register for an account and review books on Amazon, B&N, and other similar websites.
You'll get name recognition and build credibility by showing that you do your continuing research and stay caught up with business and trends in whatever your niche is.
You can also post book reviews to Ezine Articles.
In addition to being a great way to get more exposure, writing book reviews also gives you an easy way to remember what the best and most helpful points from each book were.
You can also setup your book reviews on your blog along with an Amazon affiliate link to add an extra stream of income for your business.
3) Blog Your Reviews & Testimonials.
Add your reviews and testimonials to your blog or website as appropriate.
If you send out a newsletter, share your reviews of products or services that your customers would be interested in.
If you're a business coach, tell your readers about the great tool or book you found.
If you sell baby products, and find something awesome that compliments what you offer, tell your readers about it.
Share your two cents and build goodwill.
You'll be helping connect others with great products/services, encouraging other small business owners and authors by providing helpful feedback, creating valuable connections with other small businesses for the future, and expanding the reach of your own business in the process.