[Dave Willis]

I figured a business card was cheap, designed by me and the householder would be more likely to hang on to it. Never did much of anything really, It just took off so fast I never canvassed again after the first couple of months.

[CleanClear]

Just knock the door and hand them a leaflet, say.........i just wanted to give you this. If they like the look of you they might just ask for a quote ?
  If they come the door aggresive all guns blazing then change tack, pull out a copy of the Watchtower (you can pick them up from small trolleys in many city centres) and say.........sorry brother, i was just trying to spread the word. 

[Smurf]

Thomas, if you're doing all this stuff and it's not working then perhaps you need a slight re-think.
Is your leaflet good enough quality and are you putting enough out? Think about getting one professionally designed (it's not too expensive) and distribute at least 5,000 in decent areas to get an idea if it works. I get about 4 enquiries per thousand leaflets, but this obviously varies.
A website is good. But it needs to be good. You'll probably need someone to do that too, but again it's an investment in your business. Then you can then link your website to google ads (again good), netmums (oddly good), facebook (not had much success), gumtree (pretty good) and a whole host of other places to advertise.
Get your van signwritten, 'window cleaner' nice and big, people will just walk up.
Get your name on your polo shirt, sweatshirt...whatever.
The more you do and the more you get out there, the more the work will start to come in.
If you really hate canvassing, then go leafletting but take the time to have a chat with people who you see. This will give the confidence to maybe knock on some doors. Just be a nice guy with a smile on your face and a leaflet.
The best time to canvass (if you don't like canvassing) is when you are working. As soon as you have put your pole away, leave your rear van doors open and go knock on next door.  Tell them you've just been cleaning next door and would they like a quote for their windows? Then the neighbour the other side and across the road. They will all have seen you pull up, don't worry about that. The worst that can happen is they say no thank you. The best that can happen is you accidentally knock on Melinda Messenger's door and she invites you in for tea and biccys! 

Funny you say that as my youngest lad actualy sat on Melinda's  bed as he had to deliver a posh glass shelving unit to go in her bedroom. It was so bloody heavy he sat down to take a rest as you do. Bless him 

[Tom.m]

Cheers for the advice lads!

Decided to try leaflet dropping between 6-7 and I've already done a quote. £12 monthly clean and £30 for a conny roof.

Tomorrow when I do the job I'll go door knocking. 

[capn sparkle]

Thomas, if you're doing all this stuff and it's not working then perhaps you need a slight re-think.
Is your leaflet good enough quality and are you putting enough out? Think about getting one professionally designed (it's not too expensive) and distribute at least 5,000 in decent areas to get an idea if it works. I get about 4 enquiries per thousand leaflets, but this obviously varies.
A website is good. But it needs to be good. You'll probably need someone to do that too, but again it's an investment in your business. Then you can then link your website to google ads (again good), netmums (oddly good), facebook (not had much success), gumtree (pretty good) and a whole host of other places to advertise.
Get your van signwritten, 'window cleaner' nice and big, people will just walk up.
Get your name on your polo shirt, sweatshirt...whatever.
The more you do and the more you get out there, the more the work will start to come in.
If you really hate canvassing, then go leafletting but take the time to have a chat with people who you see. This will give the confidence to maybe knock on some doors. Just be a nice guy with a smile on your face and a leaflet.
The best time to canvass (if you don't like canvassing) is when you are working. As soon as you have put your pole away, leave your rear van doors open and go knock on next door.  Tell them you've just been cleaning next door and would they like a quote for their windows? Then the neighbour the other side and across the road. They will all have seen you pull up, don't worry about that. The worst that can happen is they say no thank you. The best that can happen is you accidentally knock on Melinda Messenger's door and she invites you in for tea and biccys! 

+1 all good advice - give it a go Thomas

[Katy]

Maybe also could try any local breakfast groups - heard that has worked for some people..

[8weekly]

Don't bother with leaflets. Waste of time.

[Katy]

Thomas Its all about market awareness.  I would like to post an article for you, but its based on what my business does, but there is some elements in there that might apply to yourself, ill try and attach it - but its more commercially based, but if you break it down there maybe some things that could help, ie website, sign written van etc, admin feel free to take it down

[duncan h]

Don't bother with leaflets. Waste of time.

Maybe for you mate. Got me a few hundred £