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Chris
If you are aiming to get into garden maintenance late spring means many prospective customers have not given a thought to their gardens yet, if you are quiet keep going with flyers etc, the more potential customers you target the more likely you will be to get business.
As Lawnman said, the unseasonably cold weather means lots of people have yet to worry about their garden, grass not really growing etc, couple more weeks and things should start to pick up, once people start to venture outside more, good luck.
Lawnman said:
Also are you asking loacal shops and takeaways if you could leave a few flyers / cards?
try to stay as local as possible with your first load of flyers etc because you dont want to get the odd jobs miles away all spotted around as this will eat your profit with travle time and fuel costs
maybe offer some form of discount on a first visit or if some one recomends you.
basicaly anything to get that foot in the door as they say because after that it will be your work doing the advertising and good word will spread round.
ljn has loads of post's to do with advertising and help on websites etc so its also worth spending a little time useing the search box
I looked at this on my phone earlier, and the link to your website was visible, but it's not on my PC. Having had a quick look it didn't have an obvious bit where it says what areas you cover? A small point, but easy to include.
I tihnk it's just a slow year, as has been said already. A couple of my regulars are surprised I'm cutting lawns this week, as they've not really started growing, but I'm getting in whilst they're dry. I'd bet a few people were out over Easter thinking their garden was untidy, so now's the time to hit them with a flyer.
One suggestion is to talk to exisiting customers. I found some of mine wanted to recommend me when I was starting out, but they assumed I was busy as that was the impression I gave. I shot myself in the foot there, thinking it would be more professional to be fully-booked if they asked me! In fact, so long as you're open with people, and they are happy with your work, they will pass your card on. Definitely signwrite the van, and be very tidy and courteous when working, as neighbours and passers-by are good potential contacts.
Hi Chris
I started properly this year myself, I'm picking up new work (2 or so) every week, but I'm working hard to get them.
So far I have delivered around 6000-7000 flyers and plan to start targeting some of the areas that I done at the start.
It takes people up to 7 times before they recognise something like a brand name, so don't let it be disheartening. Just get out there and get those flyers going. Try and hand them directly to the house holder, better yet talk to the house holder if possible.
Like others have said get the van sign written, I'm starting to get phone calls from people that have seen the van in the areas that I'm working.
If your using facebook ect, get as many pictures on there as you can. It's free after all...
Anyone that asks me for a discount gets told if they sign up 2 neibours I will give them their first treatment for free. (depending on garden sizes)
One thing I would advise is posting your flyer here and ask for constructive criticism, I found it to be very helpful in designing the flyer itself.
Thread here
I also did a few different versions and polled family and friends on the flyers until i found something that I was happy with.
It took a little longer to get something that worked well, but think of the time you spend out delivering them...
As yet I haven't done any ads in newspapers or other media.
I have a Facebook page & website
Facebook, Twitter, flyers et al, are all very good, but when you are starting have you told ALL your contacts that you want work?
Neighbours
Friends,
Family
Mates in the pub
Anyone in the pub
Those at the football ground/ cricket pitch
the person next to you in the supermarket Queue,
The person at the Post office,
The person at the petrol station
Mums and dads at the school gate (helps if you've got kids for this one, - or else find someone who has!!!!)
get my drift?
Tell everyone, - let Everyone know what you are good at
" know anyone with a jungle to clear?"
"know anyone who wants a stripy lawn every week?"
The work will come.
Good luck
It takes time to get established, once your known you will get enquiries through numerous different channels. This weather recently hasn't helped anyone.
Some excellent advice above. It's hard going for everyone in the first year and the weather is against us all but that will change.
Just a thought, and if it appeals to you; are there any local networking groups in your area. Can help to get the word out?
hi yea im advertising on all the local networking sites at the moment but still nothing
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