Marketing Ideas...

[HostThree]

Hi all,

I've recently setup a company offering Computer repairs within my local town just outside Glasgow.

We're in the process of finishing everything off but I'm wondering what the best way to advertise our services would be. I was considering getting 20,000 1/3rd of A4 leaflets and getting them delivered in the local area because a relative of mine done this and she's now fully booked however she's in the medical profession rather than computing so it might be different.

I was considering things like the local newspaper or maybe even a taxi (if the prices aren't too high),has anyone got any advice on what they found helped them attract more business? I'm on a bit of a tight budget.

Thanks.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I suggest that, before you start thinking about printing leaflets or buying print advertising, you consider setting up a website (if you haven't already done so). You don't need anything ambitious. Just a few pages describing your services.

Try to optimise the site for searches for "computer repairs" and the town or region where you operate. (There are people here in the forum that can advise you how to do that.)

I don't know whether this suggestion will work out cheaper than printing leaflets, but I think it will be more effective. After all, what would you do if you had a computer that needed to be repaired? Wait around on the off chance tha someone will put a leaflet through your door? Or do a Google search?

In any case, good luck with your new venture.

Mike

 

[kmbookkeeping]

I agree with Mike, a website and some SEO work needn't cost the earth and can be a good advertising method. If you've got some time you can do a lot yourself.

I did the newspaper ads, and for me it was an expensive mistake. Flyers and postcards in shops worked well for me. I also had some car sunshades printed and asked friends and relatives to put them in their car.

Letters to small businesses can work too if that's a market you fancy going for.

Good Luck.

Kris

 

[HostThree]

Thanks for the advice.

My concern with focusing mainly on SEO is that the town seem to have no interest on the internet, there seems to be very few businesses actually advertising online but then again is that because the businesses haven't taken the opportunity to get involved in it yet?

I was thinking the newspapers but they can be expensive and you usually need to keep an ad there for some time.

 

[Wills]

To bring awareness of you business to the local local community try targeting petrol stations and newspaper and corner shops with a poster that's quite effective. You should look at your local high street maybe have some sort of awareness campaign like a check up day maybe in a mall area or rent a stall giving yourself the best exposure through the choice of day and location it should pay for itself if you pitch the service correctly.

Local paper ads only work long term of course you could be lucky, if there are already a few similar services advertising it can actually help to advertise next to them, it's a numbers game.

Website + seo is the best approach in the long run no matter if you think the locals aren't into the internet (how exactly did you research this and what were the figures of users per household?) if they have a computer they will have some sort of internet connection it is addictive.

Lastly word of mouth and referrals, they way you conduct your business, it's reputation for successful repairs, service and value are not to be over looked.

Hope this helps.

 

[HostThree]

To bring awareness of you business to the local local community try targeting petrol stations and newspaper and corner shops with a poster that's quite effective. You should look at your local high street maybe have some sort of awareness campaign like a check up day maybe in a mall area or rent a stall giving yourself the best exposure through the choice of day and location it should pay for itself if you pitch the service correctly.

Local paper ads only work long term of course you could be lucky, if there are already a few similar services advertising it can actually help to advertise next to them, it's a numbers game.

Website + seo is the best approach in the long run no matter if you think the locals aren't into the internet (how exactly did you research this and what were the figures of users per household?) if they have a computer they will have some sort of internet connection it is addictive.

Lastly word of mouth and referrals, they way you conduct your business, it's reputation for successful repairs, service and value are not to be over looked.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not sure why I feel the internet would be no use, the town just seems very sleepy when it comes to the internet there seems to be very few businesses online.

Thanks for the advice, going to have a better look into SEO and see what I can get done. I'll do the leaflets as well to test them.

 

[Employment Law Services]

All of the previous ideas are great and a basic website is an absolute must but before you go spending money on SEO, leaflets, ads in newspapers, magazines, etc you should seriously take a look at joining BNI.

BNI members doing what you do typically do very well as most members themselves have computers and of course most people they know have computers, so the opportunity for rferrals is high.

There are other networking groups out there but the reason I suggest BNI is because they have a policy of only allowing one profession/trade per Chapter which means you're locking out your competitors from the room.

At most other networking you will bump into other business owners doing what you do, many of whom will be long established members, so getting a return on your membership will undoubtedly take longer than it would at BNI.

I've been a member of BNI for three years now and am also a regional director, helping members in other Chapters get the best possible value for money out of their memberships.

If you'd like to find out more about how BNI can help you grow your business feel free to give me a call - 0141 314 3947, drop me a PM or visit their website- Business Networking Scotland West

 

[Adventurelife]

From what you have said about your town correct or incorrect it would stop me fro spending anything more until I had done some decent research to ensure their is actually business potential.

Lots of the research is just time

1. What is the population of the target area
2. What is the demographics of the target area
3. How many businesses in the target areas and list they by size and type
4. How many companies are offering the same service in the area and in all surrounding areas
5. How many households in the area

All of the above can be done via the net.

Then it is time to get out and about and take some sample tests. Knock on several businesses doors and ask them how many computers they have and if they have a repair solutions tell them why you are asking.

Take a sample of X people in the street and ask them if they have a computer in the house. X will be dictated by the number of people in the area from your research. The bigger the sample the better.

Once you have done the above you will have a much better idea about the potential customer base and the value of it.

I do not know where you will find this but if it was me I would find it as it is the holy grail of what you are about to do.

What is the % of computers that need repairs on average!!

Once you get that number you can back it into your research and that will tell you the potential of the area or not. You may find you have to target a much wider area to make the numbers work.

Once the above is done you will be in a much better position to think about marketing. Do it any other way and you are just hoping their is business their and that is a very expensive route to follow.

 

[Phatlipp1]

Service Graphics - Home

Here is a link to our Service Graphics, Case Study Book:

110844 - SG Case Studies (VCab) March 2010.pdf / Page 1

 

[aishley]

Online marketing has so many potentials to market any products and make sales. There are various techniques you can use for online marketing such as email marketing, content marketing, PPC advertising, social media marketing, etc. Social media is also a great way to promote products online, connecting with various types of audience, engaging them and finding leads. Check out social media marketing strategy you can use for your business.

 

[firemanben]

Good publicity is your customers' feedback

True but a bit of chicken and egg here in that you need the customers before they can sing you praises

 

[Smiths1972]

We would always start by building a website as the focus point of any campaign. That way you will be able to track your leads and start to analyse what's worked and what hasn't. This way you can optimise your budgets and maximise your ROI.

 

[pmorris]

I can see that online marketing isn't a choice here. If this is still the case at the moment, you should try offline marketing, specifically a community engagement.

 

[Business Upside]

One must apply many marketing strategies to expand business. Here are some of them: Marketing Strategies to Help Your Business

 

[Xonicanr]

hello im peter nice to meet you!!

 

[Koler]

Some SEO agencies do the work that is not necessary for your business and you lose money for nothing.

 

[JOhanezJa]

One must apply many marketing strategies to expand business. Here are some of them:

I try to expend my crypto investing and pos terminal buisiness. It goes that people may invest trade or buy from a local store from the post terminal of a shopping center. How would you do that?

 

[JOhanezJa]

I try to expend my crypto investing and pos terminal buisiness. It goes that people may invest trade or buy from a local store from the post terminal of a shopping center. How would you do that?

sd

 

[MarieliaWilliams]

Thanks for sharing this information

 

[Tyricores]

I think some prohibitions will interest many buyers, as everyone is interested in getting what is prohibited.