[James Styles]

Just curious really as some say best way is to canvass, some do leaflet drops, some say online or other marketing.
Just wondering really what way worked for you?
What seemed to bring in the most customers?
So far I’m just canvassing and put leaflets in if they are not home, it’s steadily bringing in work, I will be looking to market online more soon once I have more income to make a website.
My printed work shirts have arrived today so will be looking more professional.
I have 34 customers so far but 11 of them are every 8 weeks.
So what have you guys found the best way to gain customers? And any other advice
Is more than welcome.
👍

[Smudger]

Canvass - canvass - canvass

its the fastest and best way !

leaflets are good but can be more of a slow burn, it sounds like your doing everything right so far!

Darran

[Phil J]

A website brings in quality work although it's sporadic and won't be compact. Would highly recommend Nat, although he seems to have disappeared from the forum?

[Johnny B]

At the beginning, I canvassed until the tide began to turn with recommendations from satisfied customers. Now (almost 8 years on) it's all either recommendations or walk-ups.

It may take several years to become fully established (4 in my case), but you will know when you've arrived when the work comes to you rather than you going looking for it.

John

[Spruce]

We bought a small round to start with and then canvassed by door knocking ourselves.

Customer referrals have been our main source of any new work in the last few years. Let customers help you to grow. We are full up so now rather choosy who we take on.

[P @ F]

I turn away more than I take on these days !
It’s either people that I have previously had on the books  or the usual idiots that I have become quite good at seeing coming . 

[nathankaye]

I think a lot of us, are old school......... Mostly because going back ten years or more, the Internet/social media wasn't what it is today. So good old fashion footwork was the best way, face to face canvassing the doors

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Same as the other comments above.  Leaflets got me sorted along with a bit of canvassssing.  But this was over 10 years ago when it was easier and the phone would not stop ringing after a leaflet drop.   Oh how times have changed.

It takes years to fully build a reliable steady business.  After that, walk ups and recommendations tend to replace any lost customers and more.  I am much more fussy of the work I take now, and price high.  If a cus don't like the price, so what, forget it then.    I know I still offer value for money.

I dont understand why some of the old timers are still pushing hard for business, not unless they are employing though.

[JJay]

Puting adverts on social media like Facebook etc sounds like good plan but based on my experience it was totally nightmare with messers pirceshoppers and others waste of time. People asking for quotes not giving addresses not saying sometimes anything about type of property or where they live. I've gain maybe 2 regular low priced works from 40 enquires.
Canvassing is the best way.

[Don Kee]

Stop over thinking it and knock on some doors.

[James Styles]

Stop over thinking it and knock on some doors.

I’m not overthinking anything just looking for more ways to bring in work, seeing what works for others. I have been knocking doors I’m already canvassing nearly everyday, actually just got back from canvassing today picked up another 4 

[Shrek]

Knocking doors works if your a people person and if your face fits.
If someone turned up at my house looking like a chav , attitude problem and doesn’t really look like a person I’d want round my house, I’d say no regardless of price

[robbo333]

It seems like you've had the full range of answers...and they are all correct.
Different media work in different areas!
You need to find out what works BEST in your area...or areas.
So (if you are serious) you need to try everything...and more!
For me it was leaflets, 5 or 10K at a time (in specific areas of my choice).
Nowadays, my website and 'Google My Business', seems to work best as i'm compacting my round.
I also get a lot of referrals and recommendations (which can actually be a pita!)
Anyway:
I would recommend that you canvass (always quick and easy) especially when you are cleaning a house; knock 2 doors either side and 6 across the road.
Leaflet drop (try and get a good local company to do it for you) if you do it yourself it's soul destroying.
Get a decent website and some seo. You need to be quite high up on the first page.
'Google my business' is good and, at the moment, it is free.
Van sign writing.
Chat to people who walk by, be nice, smile, have a laugh (don't mention offering a free quote). If they are interested, THEY will mention it.
Look at doing some ads in your local magazine or newspaper, keep it fairly cheap and more important, LOCAL to your area.
Some magazines will 'wow you' with huge figures and promises but they will include areas far out of where you want to be. STICK LOCAL.
If you really want to start getting serious, you can put a stand in your local Tesco foyer and start selling your services there.
The world is your lobster...oyster!

PS, Did I mention car boot sales...

[nathankaye]

Just read above post, the "P.S" part.

I've mentioned that I'm expanding in a new area, a nicer, more affluent area.  I've joined the areas "hub" on a Facebook group which allows one trade advert a month. I also take a look often in their group as periodically ones will ask for recommendations of window cleaners in the area and so I can respond to that straight away.  It also keeps me upto date with the area, for instance functions and galas for instance and I've secured slots there to advertise my company and the  various services I have to offer. All I need is one window customer to cover the cost of being there and I'm sure that atleast will be achieved, as well as making myself known.
Having a background in sales and also my religious background, I don't mind public speaking/interactions, so I'm looking forward to it.

😂 😂 I just like to waffle on here instead