One thing I have done to advertise is to get a yard sign. When I do a house I post it in the front yard close to the street. Getting a listing in the yellow pages is the best advertising. Using door hangers offering a discount, special, etc. works. I also have a magnetic sign on the back of my bright yellow truck. Word of mouth is great but it takes time. Newspaper ads may get some, but going from store to store, or using door hangers are helpful. You need a lot of them.Based on the law of averages you will get 5% at least. Wearing brightly colored shirts with a logo that stands out is also good because while you are cleaning store fronts a lot of people will talk to you. Appearance is important. Also, do not talk to an employee of the store; ask for the manager or the assisstant. Be confident, proffessional, and positive. Check back with the manager at least 2 more times. That impresses lots of business people. Be patient; if you are persistant, honest, have great quality standards, and always do things to further your cause, you will be successful. I started my business 25 years ago with 1 customer. Now I have a staff of 8 and I run the business. I used to work 7 days a week and went out in the snow and cold because I had bills to pay. Now I sleep later, go out in my boat on the lake, ride my bike a lot , and do a lot of office work. I am glad I chose this proffession because I love it. I honestly love to clean windows! But I make more money now by finding jobs for others to do, and keeping a percentage of each contract. I do a lot of quality control, keeping in close contact with my contractors, and I do all the estimates for homes myself. It has been a blessing to me. Most of all; be persistant! Never be discouraged. Be creative and open to new ideas. Now go out there and live your dream!