[ianharper]

Hi Guys

How many ways are there to advertise free? Or pay once but get repeat use out of idea?

Reconmendation, Van, Signs, Knocking on doors,

Having a good marketing mix will bring more prospects that just have one great idea, so I am looking for ways to expand my marketing. The ideas dont have to be carpet cleaning related.  taking ideas from over service ideas and making them work is a good way to be fresh with your marketing.

How whould you become a big fish in your little pond? As we all know its getting your name in frount of a prospect when they have a need for your services, or tempting them with some kind of offer, money is always the limiting factor for any business big or small. so making every pound count matters.

I am a great believer in "return on marketing investment" making the marketing pay fot itself, And I have about eight systems working for me at the moment. But I would like many more so any ideas?

Respect

Ian Harper

[paul_smith]

Ian,mine at present are:
1. van sign writing.
2.yell.com.
3.yellow pages.
4.thompson local.
5.leaflets
6.parish/church mags
7.local ad mags A5 size
8.Internet leads from places other than yell ie business link
9.NCCA referals
10.customer referals
11.leaflet through neighbours doors when working in street.
12.noise from truckmount generating interest/questions

But like you always would try new stuff!
Cheers
Paul

[jasonl]

MONTHLY MAIL OUT to old customers I find is by far the easiest and cheapest form of promotion, in addition to those listed above

[BRSL]

 
Hi Ian
I think Pauls cracked it but 1 way I get good return is your local super stores tesco B&Q I take great pride in the apperance of my equipment so flaunt it. approach your superstores they will charge a small fee but sit there with your van while not working with the door open a few leeflets, cards and fridge magnets and chat too the locals. just dont park outside the carpet superstores i dont think they would like that he he

[Tony_Browning]

Hi Ian,

I have found getting involved with your towns local business clubs to be of great benefit.
It takes time, but will open alot of doors.
Some, like the local FSB club costs a nominal fee once a month, others have breakfast meetings (which are nice, cause it's very rare I get a nice english breakfast before work), which you pay a nominal annual fee for....others like the BNI are somewhat more intense and meet weekly....and do cost some more.
Hope i'm not teaching you to suck eggs, but thats my 10 peneth.
Kind Rgds
Tony.

[paul_smith]

Just thought of a few more,shop windows,and carpet stores for referal work,re upholsterers for the same,dry cleaners/launderettes.
Paul

[ianharper]

Thanks Guys

Keep them coming. I interested to how many I can keep running at one time.

I am doing some test at the moment for prospect list building for allergy sufferers and also renters, let you know how I get on when i have some more data.

Paul your 5 around works really well got a £150 job just last week from it. changed the offer from 50% off to buy one room and get second free much better for me.

How many of you do work for people moving? (not renter ) and how many use joe polish audits?

Respect

Ian Harper

[ianharper]

Hi Guys

I am Interested in how you find out information from your customers?

For example how do you find out if they rent the house, or if anyone sufferers from asthma, how they found you, who they used last time they had their carpets cleaned? etc

Each prospect and then custromer should lead onto more business or extra services.

Respect

Ian Harper

[jasonl]

hopefully you willsee my latest leaflet here

[jasonl]

or this

[jasonl]

Any comments?, I am putting the phone no on the front, and a few other minor changes before going to print

[Brent]

Hi All

Flyers through letter box's seam to work the best. I have done a couple of rented houses where the owner insists that all carpets are cleaned prior to handing house over. Been putting flyers under windscreen wipers in supermarket car parks etc. People do not like to litter so they are kept in the car !

May all your problems be little ones

[Ian Gourlay]

How many of you do The Free Room promotion to new prospects.?

ie You have won a Free Room,

Nit buy one get one free etc,

[aandgtservices]

Try you'r local BNI. They meet once a week for a breakfast meeting. I've been a member for two years and get a thirty -one return on my investment and get a good breakfast thrown in

[ianharper]

Hi Ian

We tried free room, with no luck, changed it to buy two areas and get one free, much better.

I think that prospects think that there is a catch? with the free room

Respect

Ian Harper

[ollie]

Hi all,
Whilst driving around swansea today ,in about a mile i saw 14 ads attached to lamposts for "hobnumptys"  oven cleaners i assume they have them all over swansea. has anyone tried this or does anyone know how to get permission etc?  I think its a good idea. any comments?
ollie

[Ian Gourlay]

It is strickly against the law. Local Councils now have more power to prosecute and fine Fly Posters They couls also get an Anti Social Behaviour Order.

Obviously it all depends on your local council and indeed the local Councillor for your ward and if they care about the apearance of their patch.

[REGINA]

I have noticed that the bulletin boards in the local supermarkets seems to work quite well. Everytime I am there someone is reading all of the ads. Personally I think the pole posting is quite tacky and cluttering.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Jason ads look very professional, looks like you are going to dual income and got kids family! perhaps go for 'natural cleaning' it works well with that style of family.

Shaun

PS in your ad you say that carpets are dry within 1 hour with your low moisture system, why are you after a TM?

[jasonl]

Hi Shaun , want truckmount for upholstery, and for commercial where pad method just wont do, also for flood extraction work