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Replies

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  Claire Brown March 29, 2010 at 8:05pm

  people buy from people, - i've found that my most effective way of marketing is networking, - if you are a women why not find some local women's groups - my local chambers of commerce have them, or business link, or put in your local area and women's networking into google, to find local groups.- Even if you don't find clients, you will find business friends that will know the local market and give you hints and contacts.
  A decent business card is the next thing i'd invest in, (as in, pay for, - see this blog http://www.flourishstudios.co.uk/blog/five-reasons-you-shouldnt-des...)- mine now has a photo on it so people can remember who you are long after meeting you.
  hope that helps
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  Fenlandphil March 29, 2010 at 9:34pm

  Vynl printing and signage on a van is very cost effective cost us about £150 the last van we had done, don't forget web address, email and phone numbers.
  Flyers and full colour stuff, we have bought a high volume high speed printer, it paid for itself on the first catalogue print run. Watch your advertising costs like a hawk, people selling advertising will promise the earth and guarantee nothing, it is you that is taking all the risk. Always try and ask other people using the form of advertising being offered whether the response rate has been worthwhile.
  Two books worth a read are Quick and Easy Marketing that Works by David N Russell and Success in Recession by Richard Lomax.
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  Keith Barker March 29, 2010 at 9:55pm

  Re: designing a logo and leaflets yourself - don't, unless you know what you're doing.
  
  There are some template-based leaflet solutions out there, eg Vistaprint, and also some crowd-sourced logo websites (istock logos supposedly scheduled to go live in April). Have a search for them and see what you think. I wouldn't use either, personally.
  
  Do you know any graphic designers? If so, ask if they would do some freelance work for you. Expect to pay in the region of £20 per hour.
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  Kirsty Blair March 29, 2010 at 10:26pm

  Know your market and advertise to them, have some sort of USP to interest people - whats different about your service from Joe/sy bloggs? Why should they phone you? Don't be afraid to tell people why they should pick you when your there to quote.
  
  I've not gone for a logo - mostly because I couldn't get one I liked - the printers had a go but were a bit naff. Would be best to get a graphic designer to do one if your serious about having a logo - unless you can do yourself.
  
  I've just got wording on my van at the mo until I decide on an image I want - will be a garden I've done eventually.
  
  Leaflets - I've got them but for me on the landscaping side they're not worth it unless its for a specific event. Maintenance is diff I think from previous posts on this.
  
  Business cards a must - simple, clear information - double sided gives you more space for info without overloading.
  
  When I started I was advised to pay as little as you can for marketing and whenever someone offers you advertising- never say yes to the 1st quote, half it and your getting there. It works for me.
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  Claire Brown March 30, 2010 at 8:35pm

  IMO Advertising, rarely works, but marketing yourself, - through this website, your own website, networking events, your network (friends, family, neighbours, people in your local, school run mums, sports club etc etc etc) giving talks to local clubs and societies, which are all free marketing do work, - not always immediatly, but in the longer run, they are Very effictive
  
  Kirsty Blair said:

  Know your market and advertise to them, have some sort of USP to interest people - whats different about your service from Joe/sy bloggs? Why should they phone you? Don't be afraid to tell people why they should pick you when your there to quote.
  
  I've not gone for a logo - mostly because I couldn't get one I liked - the printers had a go but were a bit naff. Would be best to get a graphic designer to do one if your serious about having a logo - unless you can do yourself.
  
  I've just got wording on my van at the mo until I decide on an image I want - will be a garden I've done eventually.
  
  Leaflets - I've got them but for me on the landscaping side they're not worth it unless its for a specific event. Maintenance is diff I think from previous posts on this.
  
  Business cards a must - simple, clear information - double sided gives you more space for info without overloading.
  
  When I started I was advised to pay as little as you can for marketing and whenever someone offers you advertising- never say yes to the 1st quote, half it and your getting there. It works for me.
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  Fenlandphil April 2, 2010 at 10:44am

  Clare
  If you are just starting out it is well worth joining your local Business Link maybe trying a few courses, it's all free and the quality of the courses and advice is first rate.
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  Fenlandphil April 5, 2010 at 6:34am

  Thanks for the MailChimp link Dwayne, email marketing is something I have been thinking about but as I am an old geezer it takes a lot of thinking about. Earlier this year I attended a free seminar in London where the concept was introduced to me but as I struggle with technology and am wary of making too many mistakes I have held off, in the meantime trying to slowly build a database ethically.
  Can you help me with these queries, does MailChimp send from their own server, are the emails tested to see if they fall foul of spam filters and can you have different lists within the 500 total as long as the total does not exceed 500?
  I see looking at your profile that you have mentioned this topic before I am glad to have had a day or two off so I could spend a bit more time on here it certainly has been worthwhile.
  Dwayne Haskell said:

  Start building your mailing list. These are potential/future customers you can send information too.
  
  I use MailChimp to send newsletters to my subscribers. It is free until you reach 500 customers.
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  Fenlandphil April 5, 2010 at 8:53am

  Thanks for the vivastreet link Stuart I have just listed an arch on there so will see how it goes.
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  Fenlandphil July 3, 2010 at 9:00pm

  How is the business going Clare?