For success in business, advertising is a major component. It lets people know what your product or service is and why it will benefit them to do business with you. It’s the magnet to attract customers.
The ideas listed below are suggested for a professional organizing business, but some of the ideas can also be used for other types of businesses.
Online Methods – Oh! What a powerful tool the Internet is for business. Here are some effective ways to use it for advertising:
Internet Blog – Start a blog (many are free or the cost is nominal). Share tips and experiences about organizing; you might want to share “before and after” pictures of your work as well. It may take a while to build a consistent audience, but be persistent. On the site, you could include a reference and contact to your business for locals who may be interested in using your services.
Facebook and Twitter – These social networks are very popular and powerful. So get the word out about your business.
Write Articles – If you enjoy writing, you can write high-quality articles and distribute them to article directories or e-zines (Yahoo! Contributor Network is a great site to try). You could build a following and be recognized for your expertise. In your profile, you can reference your business and include a link to your website or blog.
Online Forums – Joining forums allows you to share your organizing tips and contact information. You can also direct people to your blog or website by participating in forums. Make sure you join appropriate forums that would welcome information about organizing.
Offline Methods – Traditional advertising methods are still very effective, such as:
Word of Mouth – This still rates as the cheapest and easiest form of advertising. So get the word out that you’re in business. Let your family and friends know about your business – they may become your clients or refer you to people they know. Carry a portfolio to show examples of your work for instances when you may meet potential clients while out in public or at events. Plan to always be ready for unexpected opportunities.
Advertise Locally – Place an ad in local community newspapers. This will reach many people in your local area and may draw some new customers.
Seize “Free” Opportunities – Hand out business cards or include your company profile in “free” publications.
Create Advertising Materials – It’s very cost effective to create your own fliers, magnets, business cards, door hangers and custom greeting cards. These items will contain your business information to promote your services. Now a days, to create your own advertising materials is quite easy with the availability of desktop publishing software. You can even create these items with word processing software that you may already have on your computer. When you have the materials prepared, distribute to the public. Pass out fliers and post them on business bulletin boards. Another idea is drive (or walk) through your neighborhood (and other neighborhoods) to stick your magnets on metal mail boxes. The resident could put the magnet on their refrigerator and have a reminder of your services in plain view. This may prompt them to call for your services. Send out greeting cards to existing clients. By showing clients they are remembered on special occasions and holidays creates goodwill and they will most likely remember you and keep using your services.
Conduct Free Seminars – Invite people you know and ask them to invite others. This could extend out into a type of “organizing party”. Someone could host the event in their home and in return you could offer two to three hours of free services to the host. At the seminar/party you can discuss and/or demonstrate basic organizing skills and recommend organizing products. This is a great way to get exposure. Make sure you have a supply of business cards or fliers to hand out at the event.
Chamber of Commerce – Joining your local Chamber of Commerce is a great way to network and make business contacts.
Hospitals – Check with local hospital maternity wards to see if you could provide your business information in packages that are provided to new moms. This is a great population that may desperately need a professional organizer.