[kate1]

Sorry Stu I meant implemented rather than implicated, my error

[erithwc]

if only Richard Branson did a marriage bureau..............  virgin brides 


would defo sign up for that 

he did virginbrides.co.uk

[Smudger]

I think that 'branding' the differing areas is an excellent idea but i think they need to be under one umbrella name
very much like the 'virgin' setup.

we have quite an unusual name rather than the traditional  'D Smith window cleaning' style
so to us promoting the name is very important
the company has a general name      XXX cleaning company

then divided into the following ....

XXX    window cleaning
XXX     domestic cleaning
XXX    Commercial  cleaning

the only one thats different is  our gutter vac services as thats joint between me and another family member
so it has it's own brand, but that may change in time, but websites are linked and both are promoted alongside each other.

darran

[Blue Frog Systems]

I have had the idea of an umbrella group of various companys... hense why im called Bluefrog Systems

Bluefrog window cleaning
Bluefrog fascia cleaning
Bluefrog gutter cleaning
Bluefrog conservatory cleaning
Bluefrog vehicle cleaning
Bluefrog carpet cleaning
Bluefrog external cleaning
Bluefrog oven cleaning
Bluefrog upvc cleaning
Bluefrog takes over the world cleaning

Working on a small patch i dont think the idea would work. If you were talking of working a region .... say the midlands, or even a good portion of it, then i could see the whole branding part working.

If your happy window cleaning and doing your extras, then branding / expanding isnt for you.... but for the bigger picture its great.

I will one day get into this branding and group situation ! As said above though, it takes time and money... once you have cracked it though im sure it will pay off well

[Blue Frog Systems]

Can i ask why you think it wont work on a regional basis Kate1 ?

Surely going from local to national is a very large step

I currentley cover a 15 mile radius from home.

Now to go from this, to anywhere within 200miles just wouldnt work in my opinion. Branching / branding out in regions step by step would be the way forward.

[kate1]

Sure

In theory, a great idea.

But unless you have 10000s to promote, sell and market.

Your talking tons of money.

Were talking household names.

It would have to be on a national scale

Your talking about Bluefrog being a house name

[Blue Frog Systems]

Kate, ive not done any marketing.

These are my own thoughts. To jump straight to national would cost money. Im just south of Brum, if i branded national and a job came up in Portsmouth from my advertising, it wouldnt make sense to travel that distance for one job. Yes i could sub it out i know, but by branding its surely about building your company / workforce and not letting other companys to do it for you.

This is how i would do it... or at least how i think i would do it...

Major leaflet drop....  West Midlands followed by advertising boards / vans

Canvassers knocking leaflet dropped areas, after 2 leaflet drops in that area.

I also think the timing of this would play a massive part. People start noticing diry windows, dirty connys, dirty fascias between April & June. This is when Customer gathering is at its peak (thats from my own experience)

[kate1]

Thats cool Bluefrog and I honestly dont want to appear as a know all feck all.

Dont leaflet, pick the phone up,

You can leaflet drop - but personally I would go for qualified appointments.

[Steve CM]

when i chose my business name i wanted it not to say anything specific., i wanted it to be unique and not the norm this way it can be versatile and i can move in what direction i want.

now i do just push my name

Clear Magic

it was window cleaning contractors but has now changed to cleaning contractors. but now i just makesure clear magic is prominent

now if i was to push my advertising and really home in on one service i guess i could move more into

clear magic gutter cleaning
clear magic driveway cleaning

etc..,.i don't think it would be a bad idea but i am limiting myself somewhat to what people want or need if any of my other services may be of use to them.

now if i had cash to burn and i could advertise on a grand scale through media, radio, tv etc then i could move more into

hydra window cleaning. (for example) with my logo discretly somewhere on the flyer/advert then you could still have as good marketing reaction (results) but will it push your name as much? (on a massive scale yes, on a local level no) i would want to push my name full and foremost to makesure people have no confusion its us and its one more person who would know my company name. i guess the point comes down to what you'd rather have people know? your service or your name. its all about brand building and on limited budgets i would push my name first and foremost so that we are remembered.