Advertising in the city need not be an expensive one. If one is engaged in the cleaning business, be it window cleaning, maid services, carpet cleaning or its variations, there is a cheap way to be visible in the market. And the way to go about it is by passing out flyers. Some may see that this may not be effective anymore but in reality, despite the sophistication of marketing techniques, passing out flyers is still an economical and effective form of advertising one’s business.
1) Dirt cheap. Though it is cheaper, it may not necessarily be a good way. Perception is key here as one may be seen as cheap if one just puts a flyer on the front door. Also, a flyer without selling power is a scrap of paper. There are many skeptics in the market so the flyer must say that one means business in cleanliness. Indicating one’s menu of services, prices and contact numbers are but the basic information needed in a flyer. One can even include a list of references so that the prospective client can see on the spot how one’s business strategically places itself in the market.
2) Extraordinary. Again, how one presents the company and the services is dependent on a piece of paper. Having a good presentation, like a folder would exhibit the professionalism of the company and this make a good impression on prospective clients. Sales letters with some thingamabob like a magnet would also help in marketing the business. Putting the information in color also helps but if one opts for black and white printing, maker use of brightly colored heavy paper so that one is able to exude the professionalism and business acumen to the prospective businesses.
3) Exclusivity. Making exclusive offers for a particular neighborhood, or make free trial offers would also be great come-ons in the flyer. Some may also place discounts upon presentation of the flyer, similar to a coupon would be great in making the flyer noticeable and your business visible inside the home of the prospective client.
4) Visibility. When passing out flyers, wear one’s company uniform to identify one’s self as a representative of the company. Many times inquiries would be made on the spot. Also, it is a federal offense to place flyers in a mailbox so never place them in the mailbox. It also seems unprofessional for one to do this activity. Farm out to places where prospective customers converge, such as the hardware shop or at the supermarket. Also, posting on community billboards would also help in reaching out to the market.
5) Company activity. On a slow day, one can better maximize the employees who have no jobs to go to be at high density areas to give out flyers. Not only would the prospective clients see this as a company gig, it also provides the employees a sense of contribution to the growth of the business. And it also helps in making one’s employees familiar with the clients first hand.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Completely agree with the above post — this is how we started, while waiting for our website to be indexed by search engines.
Though many man hours is required – you get a chance to meet some of you potential customers.
One other way that we thought was a great idea was – to have door hangers made… better than a flyer — the home owner actually has to take the time to take it off — thus making them read it rather than — regular flyers that can get lost with others and are never read.
To distribute it, we found kids in the neighborhood willing to earn cash…. the local newspaper delivery person is the best– they are already delivering… your door hanger won’t add that much more time.
Hope this was helpful to those starting… just remember – it’s all about marketing and customer service that will keep you in the running.
opps one other thing… using social media like twitter is great too! It is now our biggest referral medium.
We try to follow those who are working in industries that we feel could use our servcises — eg – real estate agents, those that are company CEO’s or those we know to traditionally work 60hrs plus per week.
Cheers!