[yeldahgoods]

Hey guys and girls.

I have my own company now for about 3 months or so....and things have been going ok. I am curious as to what ways of cheap and/or free advertising people are using to get sales. I tried google ad words, and I think that just gets too pricey with no results really to speak of.

I don't know if theres places you can send flyers, or business cards. What else has everyone done that has given them some success??
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[deChez]

In my humble opinion, pay per click advertising, such as Google AdWords, offer little return for alot of money.

Before we can give you suggestions on how to reach your target market, we need to know what your target market is.

As for sending flyers; if you have the budget for it, you can purchase mailing lists. If you don't have the budget, you can use sources such as Yahoo Local, and internet phone books to create your own -- this can be very time consuming.

Leaving business cards is an iffy proposition...they're easily lost.

I have created several 3 fold brochures that I use when I go out to do marketing.

Pounding the pavement, networking, and customer referral have worked best for me. I also have a yellow pages ad, and a listing on Yahoo Local -- both of these work well for me.

Connecting with like vendors is also very helpful. I've created relationships with a lettering shop that has been doing the varsity jackets for 30 years, a contract embroiderer, and a large screen printing shop...when they get a call for small quantity tees, or anything else that I do (but they don't) they send the customer to me.

 

[suzette70]

Wear your work! Word of mouth is your best advertising. I agree with the previous post. Build a relationship with other local businesses. You would be surprised how many would welcome having someone that they could fall back on and send work they can't get to. It takes time to build a reputation. Just make yourself known, do quality work in a timely fashion, and customers will find you. I have 2 small children, and as shamless as it may be, I would wear a new tshirt or embroidered cap to every sporting event. Now I've bought a vinyl cutter and have decals all over our 4wheelers. I also made a few freebies for some of our friends and local business owners. People love to see their name, their kid's name, or their business name. Whenever your in a store or restaurant, don't be afraid to introduce yourself, preferably to someone in charge, and offer your services. I spent a bunch of money on local radio and magazine adds and all it got me was "oh, I heard your commercial on the radio today". And some crazy calls we won't get into. Anyway, I've rambled long enough. Hope this helps.

Suzette70