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Re:Ads for new business - 2006/02/16 22:28
Congrats on the new venture!
Before I praise or pan your marketing tactics, I think it is important to answer a few basic questions:
1. Who are the people you are trying to reach as a potential customer base? Why have you selected this method to market yourself?
2. What are your sales goals now, 3 months, 6 months, a year?
3. How much money do you have set aside to get new business?
4. What processes do you have in place to handle new business? i.e. phone number, who's answering the phone, mailing address, follow up flyers or brochures, pricing, etc.
5. What makes you different from everybody else? What makes you special? Why would someone want to do business with you rather than a competitor?
Once you get these basic questions answered you can then start to decide if advertising in the local paper is worth your time and money.
Since you mentioned "local" papers, I'll assume you want to stay close to home for a market base. The best way to drum up local business is to get out into the community. Hang flyers in supermarkets or libraries (ask first). Hold a talk on "Secrets to Painting" or something similar. Go to local town meetings and network. All these and more are a great way to get exposure inexpensively.
As a new business, don't forget to get lots of testimonials. This will help to build trust and give you a bit more credibility.
With Regards,
Samantha
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DO IT YOURSELF TOOLS 
