[Mike Osbourne]

I'd keep quiet now Dan, I think Derek is already thinking of moving to Boston.

[derek west]

heli-mount and commute
derek

[derek west]

and i could save money on a room dryer, just hover over the house
derek

[Ben Lugg]

Hi Dan,
Recently I only advertise in our local free paper. Pretty much most of my work comes from this. I think it reflects that the free paper has been going a long time and is the first thing local people pick up when they want a trade or a service.
I do hand out business cards etc to customers so of course some work is referrals.  I do a bit of cold calling on businesses too.
I've advertised in the "pay for" papers in the past, but with very little response so I gave up on those.
Good luck with it.
Ben

[Mike Osbourne]

I've done A4 leaflets in free papers and get 1:1000. I just pick the areas so the job prices tend to be about the average. I know it's not a lot but with referrals and going on the DB the return is worthwhile.

I especially like things you can pay and forget until the calls come in.

[markpowell]

Just after your experience of advertising.

I currently get most of my work form my website, refereals, existing contracts and a village mag. These consistently generate @ the same return every week.

However I have tried in the past to expand the business with little success. I just cant seem to repeat the same returns in other areas. I have tried leaflets; just done @ 20k and got 1 call! Was thinking about doing the free papers as get same sort of coverage for less outlay.

Anyone have success with these paers or are paid for papers a better bet.

Any advice/comments would appreciated.

Dan

1 call on 20k of leaflets, did they definately get posted?
If they did you need to have a look at the leaflet, it needs changing.
Mark

[DanielWelford]

Hi Mark

I think they have been sent, but me thinks the leaflet could do with changing. I do like yours that you posted on another thread.

Dan

[Tre Allen]

I have to agree, website+blog and referrals are our best way of marketing right now. Receiving 1-3 jobs just off the internet alone per day speaks volumes.

Then starting a email marketing campaign is the next step for internet marketing.

Referrals are also a great source of pulling in new jobs