Replies

1. 
   Mac_Built | Apr 15, 2005 06:39pm | #1

   don't hire gorrillas! They'll cost you much more in the long run than they charge for their time. You've heard the expresssion "Bull in a china shop" - bulls hold nothing on "gorillas with power tools on the jobsite!"

   Seriously, I put a three line ad in my local paper last year - cost me $150/mo and kept me busy all summer long.

   Good luck,

   Mac

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2. 
   CloudHidden | Apr 15, 2005 06:53pm | #2

   Just fyi, it's 'guerilla'...the underground fighter, not the simian. Might find some ideas at http://www.gmarketing.com/

1. 
   rasconc | Apr 16, 2005 06:31am | #7

   Darn high falutin(sp?)(in redneck there is no mispelling) educated folks. :-) 

3. 
   JDRHI | Apr 15, 2005 07:04pm | #3

   Here in my little town.....and yes, it is mine....the local pizzaria is a very busy place.

   They`ve got a bulletin board hung at their entrance where folks pin ads for all types of services.

   Five of my cards pinned to the board drum up more phone calls than I can answer.

   I`ve also had luck with our local paper...rather inexpensive.

   The Yellow Pages was a complete waste of good money.

   Word of mouth has always kept me busier than anything else.

   ATTENTION FELLOW BREAKTIME MEMBERS:

   If you`d like to discuss topics other than home building, come on down to the Woodshed Tavern. Great bunch of guys and gals letting off a little steam about everything and anything. Its not a special club, but.....as of Monday, March 14, the Tavern folder will go behind an access wall. Only those who request access to this folder by contacting [email protected] will be able to view and participate in discussions there.

4. 
   Isamemon | Apr 15, 2005 09:21pm | #4

   I agree with points

   1) a small ad in newspaper was good, one that ran everyday did better for me then one that was bigger that I ran 2 times a week

   2) this is the first year I pulled my $350 a month ad form the yellow pages. I thought wrong wrong wrong, boy was "I" wrong. has made no difference at all, none,  so my gut feeling to pull the ad worked.

   3) Of course we have discussed before, clean trucks, catchy logos, honest work

    

   however

   realted to yellow pages, Im thinking of going into the electronic yellow pages

   out here it is through quest and its called Dexonline

   anyone tell us results of that market tool ????

1. 
   Mac_Built | Apr 16, 2005 06:35am | #8

   Gotta say I agree with others regarding Yellow Pages as a failed marketing tool. For my computer repair business, I placed 1/4 page ad, paid $575/mo. for a year and got several calls (12-15 for the year). It was a horrible mistake that I had to deal with for 12 months.Wouldn't dream of putting out another YP ad, haven't even gotten around to getting my one-line listing in (next to 75 other construction one-liners).Word of Mouth is a powerful thing. No, it's not quick (it can be though), but it's a contractor's best advertising. Do an absolutely great job, exceed their expectations, maintain a professional attitude towards them at all times, and build something that's strudy, solid, gorgeous and going to give them a lifetime of enjoyment...and they'll market for you forever.MacView Image

1. 
   UBuildIt | Apr 16, 2005 08:19am | #11

   Yellow pages depend heavily on the market place......is it a fractured yellow pages market? Often so. They can be really spendy, and not even address a fraction of the audience.

   Another great source is builder pages and online referral sites......cheaper (often free)

     

   Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

5. 
   Heck | Apr 16, 2005 01:33am | #5

   Make up a catchy slogan, and start putting it where people will see it...Like the local paper, pizza joint, post office, job site.
   Don't overdo it, don't want to look desparate, but keep it coming, even when you get busy.

   Here's mine:

   'Gotta building problem?'

   Go to HECK with it!

   Luck!

   Heck If I know....

1. 
   fishdog | Apr 16, 2005 07:31am | #9

   that,s heckin funny.

6. 
   hmj | Apr 16, 2005 05:58am | #6

   try http://www.craigslist.org

   look for your closest city. I have gotten a boatload of work from here.

7. 
   UBuildIt | Apr 16, 2005 08:17am | #10

   Put together a strategic plan for your marketplace that relies heavily on guerilla marketing. Signage. Networking. Community work. Press. Signage.

   Institute a Referrals Program. Make your past clients evangelists for you.

   Use photos of past jobs in a portfolio....got a website?

   Identify your target....then go after them.

   Got an identity package? Get one....logos on trucks and signage, the whole bit. Logo your shirts, hats, etc.

   Promotional items to all clients with your logo.

   Jay Levinson is a good place to start to understand what has to be done.

   Be happy to help you craft a strategic plan.....

   -c

    

   Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

8. 
   Jay345 | Apr 16, 2005 05:25pm | #12

   When I first moved to Lake Placid NY in 1995, tha first thing I did was open the yellow pages and called every contractor listed in the book. I explained in a few words who I was , what I did, and what my credentials were. I have rarely been without work in the last 10 yrs. Didn't cost me a dime .

9. 
   frenchy | Apr 17, 2005 12:03am | #13

   Think outside the box,   Ads all seem to blur together and if you try to be really differant you generally come across as wierd..

     I assume that you have signs on your trucks and of course buisness cards at hand for yourself and everyone else that works for you..Put up project signs when you work and ask the homeowners if you can leave them up for a week after you're done (offer them the deal as part of your referal package where you give a 20% "discount" to cooperative homeowners..  (

     I have noted a few old cars with company logo's on them, buy Hemmings magazine and you'll be amazed at how little you can buy a Model A Ford pick up for.

     that gets noticed,  a lot!

    well done signs on something like that will  have you answering the phone a lot as well.. too expensive?   build a really nice wood topper for your pickup, one that shows off your skills..

     Try networking with contractors someplace like habitat for humanity.  They may have some referals for you if it's not their field..

     carry flyers with you and stuff mailboxs in the neighbor hood where you'll go for quotes and such..

     Call the lumberyard and ask to speak to the owner.. Your church bullitan board is a free and amazingly successful way to market..