Nothing will ever be the same going forward. The internet, and specifically Web 2.0 and social media tools, have changed marketing for those run a business and this is, in my opinion, only for the better. Social Media is great for home-based business owners as it cheap and easy to implement. The purpose of this article is to share with you three great benefits of social media for home-based business owners that will encourage you to jump on board and start utilizing home-based business to grow your business.It provides an unfiltered communication platform – Before social media, the main ways that businesses, including home-based businesses, could reach their audience was through mainstream media advertising and public relations. Mainstream media advertising, on television, on the radio and in newspapers, is expensive and non-targeted. All available research also suggests that advertising is perceived as untrustworthy so it is not a good advertising choice. Public relations may be considered more trustworthy but the message is mediated. A journalist can change your message and it may be misinterpreted. With social media, you can directly contact your target audiences without any lack of trust or a mediated message. You can speak directly to the people you want to buy your product or service.Web 2.0 changes the definition of perception and acceptance of products and services – Old rules of marketing suggested that the more times a potential customer saw your name mentioned, the more likely they are to purchase your product. Search engines and social media have changed this. Just because someone mentions your name doesn’t necessarily mean that this is a good thing. These days, people care about what their friends are saying in their social networks but they also consult respected blogs and review websites to help with their decision making process. There is no point just getting your name out there further. You need to make sure that you get the right people saying the right thing as this is most important for word of mouth marketing.It is a great way to get quick and valuable feedback – Once you have a dedicated group of fans and followers it is easy to get feedback about any potential changes that you are considering making. It is easy to find out who your customers are and what they think.Social media has changed the way that you can market your home-based business. I have shown you three reasons for this above. You need to get on the social media bandwagon so that you do not get left behind.