2006-07-26 18:08:13 · 6 answers · asked by branancbrananc 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing
The first thing you have to do is create a unique and effective image for your business. Hire a graphic designer to design a company logo and slogan and have it printed on business cards, posters, envelopes and letterhead. ( If you can't afford to hire someone to do this for you, try going to the nearest college that teaches graphic design and ask them if they would like to take it on as a project.) I studied graphic design and we did several jobs for small businesses and were graded on it, so you get some very professional results for free. Approach businesses that you would like to work for and show them your portfolio, and tell them you will give them a discount on any work you do for them if they dirrect traffic your way. If they hire you make sure to give them a repeat customer discount for any future jobs. You will get a lot of business just by word of mouth advertising doing this. ( Everyone loves a deal and they will tell others about it.) Leave a business card with themand make sure you have a cell number as well so they can get ahold of you at any time. Tack posters ( with a few business cards attached to bulliten boards in grocery stores, garage stations, laundry mats, universities, colleges and any community boards in your area. Have some pens, etc. made up with your company name and logo and hand them out to potential customers and make sure to leave some ( accidently...ha ha ) on tables in the local coffee shops and other places you frequent so that people pick them up and take them home. Put ads in the local newspapers, put posters under windshield wiper blades in parking lots, ( make sure it's not illegal to do this in your neighbourhood), and ask local businesses if you can leave a few business cards by the cash register. Make sure to use your logo and slogan on every single piece of information you distribute so that people get to the point of recognizing your company name at a glance. Have your business logo painted on your vehicle. ( mobile advertising with a very high rate of exposure. An excellent way of getting attention is to do a couple of small volunteer jobs for non profit organizations because they always post it in the papers with their thanks, and they will tell others about how your business helped them out. Have a designer put together a website featuring your business and make sure to keep it updated with specials and new services or products. Join your local chamber of commerce as well so you can network with other businesses. I hope some of these ideas will be useful to you. Good luck with your business.
Please excuse spelling errors...spell check not working.
2006-07-26 21:01:54 · answer #1 · answered by jimminycricket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a realtor and a mortgage officer. I have years of experience in independent sales. I run my business part time from home, the other times i am at an actual business office.I have made a lot mistakes but I realized the more mistakes I made the more successful I became.
First off I need to point out that when you write you need to make sure you don't make any mistakes like "caould" use a good spell checker. I am terrible with spelling, but I always run what ever i write though a spell check, even this. So don't feel bad.
Advertising is a very tricky proposition. I have spent thousands of dollars on full page ads with minimal results, then on the flip side I have spent a couple of hundred bucks on a classified ads and received a lot of calls.go figure.
There are other ways that you can get the word out.Go to the book store , find the business section and look for any books on marketing your self. I once found a book a few years back called "101 way to market your self" it was on paper back. It had tons of Ideas that where simple and inexpensive.
I love Craigslist for free ads, I have made money there good responses. Try Vinyl lettering for the back of your car or truck. I just placed an order today for 3 lines that will go across the back window of my SUV. I drive all over town,so alot of people will see my ad. All for $50 bucks! Business cards,there is a graphic company that can make 5K for cards very glossy for $75,that's alot of card. the company is called "pk broward" tell them you want the "Las Vegas special" wink wink.
If you get any cards remember its a numbers game the more you pass out your cards the higher chance you will get some business. Where ever you go place a couple of cards(not alot) stick on the gas pump, vending machines, ATMS,bathrooms,phone booths, any place of business. You can also ask the owner of a store if they would allow you to place a card holder with your cards on or near the counter. Try dry cleaners or any small business.
I can go on for days but try that for now.good luck.
2006-07-27 02:23:56 · answer #2 · answered by Carl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compared to offline businesses, the investment required to start an online business is minimal. A popular way of earning money on the internet is by providing information and services. This can be monetised by advertising or charging a subscription. You can also make money online by selling products on auction websites like eBay or through your own website. More information available at http://tinyurl.com/syw6m
2006-07-28 14:23:12 · answer #3 · answered by lalraniusha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Online advertising is a good way. I hope you have a website.
The best ways to advertise online are pay per click, banner advertising, and search engine optimization.
All of those will cost you, and may be expensive.
here is a link to the best completely free online advertising websites with high traffic:
http://advertisesmallbusiness.com/free-online-ads
by the way this is #1 on google if you search on ---best free online advertising sources ---
2006-07-28 04:27:07 · answer #4 · answered by CNaviBlog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Post in your local paper! Post it on your website! Talk to people in your community and make business cards! If you really have a business that is ligget, people will want to know about it! You might try something silly, like hiring someone to "wear" your logo or company name! Order bumper stickers and put them on your car! talk to your local cable company about advertising. There are lots of ways to go! I should know! I have a business and have used many of these techniques!
2006-07-27 01:15:18 · answer #5 · answered by Autumn_Anne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a good website, which offers various advertising options and you set the advertising amount, since it is run by few college students. Please visit http://marketingdreamz.tripod.com/
or contact atmarketingdreamz@yahoo.com
Good Luck!
2006-07-27 01:41:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋