I have so far set up an FB page, and have costings to do a website (although need to get some business/money first). I have also advertised for free on a website that targets mothers in business (I figured as I am a mum raising 3 kids at the same time that this would be an ideal target audience for me), and am looking into another website also targeting mothers in business to advertise on.
How else can I market my business? Actually getting the work seems to be my problem. Are there other free sites I can advertise on. How do I go about 'networking'?
There are loads of threads about marketing on the forum. I'll list some here:
Postcards in shops/post office flyers to local businesses Write to local businesses one industry at a time Pay Per Click advertising Advert in Local newspapers Networking groups (although with children it's difficult) Get your car sign written Chat to other parents at school Volunteer with local community group to do treasury duties
Websites needn't cost the earth. We partnered with designers recently to offer small business website packages from £50.
Thanks for that - how do I find out about local networking groups. Will see if my local newsagents will put things in the windows. I am in the process of getting flyers printed so I can take them to some small businesses in our town centre - there are alot of independent coffee shops/photographers/toy shops/florists etc that I think I could offer services to.
Surely by advertising on your car, you would have to make sure you have the correct car insurance - In my case I would have to change my insurance as it is down as domestic/social use only.
Surely by advertising on your car, you would have to make sure you have the correct car insurance - In my case I would have to change my insurance as it is down as domestic/social use only.
I had a look at my own insurance the other day. It was similar - but there was a bit that allowed business use - as long as it wasn't transporting merchandise. There may be a similar thing in your own policy.
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Never buy black socks from a normal shop. They shaft you every time.
I use Namesco. Set the site up myself and came in at around £60 for a year including use of their sitebuilder tool.
Also, on websites. I think that you should consider them as the backup medium. Generally I've found that people come to the website because they've found my details elsewhere and want more information.
I don't think that one should think of the website as a primary marketing tool... Not saying that model doesn't work for some but there are too many people out there who set up a website then expect the phone to start ringing and wonder why it never does.
Personal feeling is that there is no replacement for networking.
Good luck with finding those elusive clients,
all the best,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Also, on websites. I think that you should consider them as the backup medium. Generally I've found that people come to the website because they've found my details elsewhere and want more information.
I have a website address (I'm also with Namesco - I basically followed Shaun like a sheep) and to be honest I don't expect to get any work from it on its own.
I'm going to be advertising in the local weekly newspaper for the next few months (every fortnight as it's all I can afford atm) as well as an A3 advert in local Post Office. My website is on these. There is very little space on the newspaper advert (6.4cm x 5cm) to get all your details across. So I'm hoping they'll see the website address and want more information.
EDIT - removed the owrd "basically" froma sentence. I hate that word at the best of times and when I re-read my post it was in twice. I hate when people on tv start a reply with "Basically......"
Now I go from having the word I hate twice to having it three times.
-- Edited by Peasie on Thursday 27th of October 2011 12:08:34 PM
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Never buy black socks from a normal shop. They shaft you every time.
There are many networking groups from 4N, BMI etc. Check with your local business link for some guidance on local groups.
To be honest, when I added business use to my car insurance it cost an extra £20 per year. I also marked up my own car and my insurance company had no issues with it. In real terms it was cheaper than any other type of advertising reaching a similar number of people.
I agree with Shuan about the website rarely being someones first call, but it does happen. The key to this is your search engine optimisation which can take a long time to get right. Most people will see your business name elsewhere and visit your website to find out more about you before they pickup the phone. One point I would make is that it's worth having a method to gather email addresses from your website, and sending a regular newsletter to those people.
Thanks everyone for tips. I won't bother with the car advertising just yet as don't really want to change the insurance. We've only just sorted it after changing our car, which was a major faff.
I have found a networking website and signed up to it for emails on when there are networking events in my area - have already seen a few that I could probably attend. I just need to finalise and get my business cards printed up.
I must make a list of all these things I need to do before I forget. I also need to join the BKN as my PII is up for renewal in a couple of weeks and cheaper is always good :)
Just wanted to let you know that I am going to my first networking event next Thurs. Its called Mums in Business and I am very excited, if a little nervous. I will let you all know how it goes.
